Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2717, the Hershel ``Woody'' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act. I thank the chairman and ranking member for their leadership in prioritizing this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, Woody Williams was born on a West Virginia dairy farm in 1923 and was first drawn to the Marine Corps by their trademark uniforms. At 5-foot-6, Williams was unable to enlist in the Marines due to height restrictions. After that regulation was changed in 1943, Woody enlisted and was in the Pacific theater in less than 90 days. On February 21, 1945, then-Corporal Williams landed on the beach at Iwo Jima, where he distinguished himself by repeatedly risking the threat of enemy fire and bayonet charges over several hours while singlehandedly destroying enemy pillboxes, or concrete trenches, to make way for American tanks and infantry. {time} 1615 His gallant actions took place on the same day as the famous flag raising on Mount Suribachi, which he witnessed from about 1,000 yards away. After returning home, President Harry Truman awarded Corporal Hershel Williams the Medal of Honor, our Nation's highest recognition for valor in combat.…”