Last WWII Medal of Honor Hero Honored as Law Passes

Herschel “Woody” Williams, the final living World War II recipient of the Medal of Honor, was celebrated on September 11 as President Trump signed the National Medal of Honor Memorial Act. Williams earned his award for operating a flamethrower during the brutal Battle of Iwo Jima, where he repeatedly cleared enemy positions and paved the way for American victory.

The ceremony, held at the Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, also saw Trump endorse the creation of a new memorial in Washington, D.C., to be placed near the Lincoln Memorial.

The memorial will recognize over 3,500 service members who have displayed extraordinary bravery. Private donations will fully finance the construction, and the President pledged the museum foundation a top‑tier site in the capital.

Trump concluded that the monument will ensure the nation never forgets the risks taken by Medal of Honor holders like Williams.