Joe Manchin: “I would like to take a moment to celebrate the christening of the USNS Hershel ``Woody'' Williams, T-ESB 4. This…”

“I would like to take a moment to celebrate the christening of the USNS Hershel ``Woody'' Williams, T-ESB 4. This expeditionary sea base ship, the second of its kind, is named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient and West Virginia icon, Chief Warrant Officer Hershel ``Woody'' Williams, retired. Woody Williams was born on a dairy farm in 1923 in Quiet Dell, WV. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a demolition sergeant in the Battle of Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division. As a result of Woody's valiant service, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Truman on October 5, 1945. Today, at 94 years old, he is the last living Medal of Honor recipient from the Battle of Iwo Jima. What sets Woody apart from so many others who also honorably served is that his brave service on the battlefield was bookended by compassionate service to members of our Armed Forces and their families. Before entering the Corps, Woody had the painstaking task of delivering Western Union telegrams to Gold Star West Virginia families who lost loved ones early in the war. After he served 20 years in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves, he spent 33 years as a veterans service representative in the Department of Veterans Affairs and is still serving on the Governor's military advisory board in the State of West Virginia. He is a fierce advocate for all veterans of all eras.…”