Freedom comes in many shapes and sizes, but our favorite comes in a liquid flammable form. The name is Hershel W. Williams, simply known as "Woody". Born in West Virginia, Williams enlisted in the Marines in 1943, and by 1944, he was attached to 1/21 3rd MarDiv., as a demolition man and flamethrower (can you ask for anything more badass?). After seeing action in Guam, Cpl. Williams and his boys were on the way towards Iwo Jima.
Landing on the island on February 21, 1945, Williams distinguished himself two days later when American tanks, trying to open a lane for infantry, encountered a network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, and buried mines. Williams went forward alone with his 70-pound flamethrower to destroy the enemy positions.
Covered by only four riflemen, he fought for four hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain more flame throwers. He would then make his way back to the front and wipe out one position after another. At one point, a wisp of smoke alerted him to the air vent of a Japanese bunker, and he approached close enough to put the nozzle of his flamethrower through the hole, killing the occupants. He was then charged by enemy riflemen who attempted to stop him with bayonets and he killed them with a burst of flame from his weapon. (Zippo man status achieved). These actions occurred on the same day as the raising of the U.S. flag on the island's Mount Suribachi, although Williams was not able to witness the event. He fought through the remainder of the five-week-long battle and was wounded on March 6, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.
For his actions on Feb.23, Cpl. Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor, making him the last living recipient from the battle. And at the age of 91, he still doesn't give a fuck. #zerofucks #nofucks #stayzero #military #marines #usmc #usa #ww2 #pacific #greatestgeneration
#honor #courage #commitment #hero #oldschool #freedom #semperfi #instalike #instagood #dailyig #photooftheday