Who Is Hershel W. Williams? Age, Biography and Wiki
Hershel W. Williams, born on October 2, 1923, was a courageous U.S. Marine Corps veteran and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery during World War II. His remarkable legacy on and off the battlefield has inspired countless individuals. As of 2025, Williams would have been 102 years old, had he been alive. His service and dedication to the nation make him a symbol of heroism and patriotism.
| Occupation | Other |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 2, 1923 |
| Age | 98 Years |
| Birth Place | Quiet Dell, Marion County, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 29 June, 2022 |
| Died Place | Huntington, West Virginia, U.S. |
Popularity
Hershel W. Williams's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although Hershel W. Williams was known more for his valor than for his physical dimensions, reports indicate that he stood around 5 feet 6 inches tall (approximately 168 cm). His weight and other body measurements varied throughout his life, especially during his military service. His stature was emblematic of the steadfastness and determination that defined his character.
Williams was drawn to the Marines by their dress blue uniforms he had seen several men in his community wear. He disliked the Army's brown wool uniform he considered "... the ugliest thing in town ... I decided I did not want to be in that thing.
I want to be in those dress blues." Aside from the appearance of the uniform, Williams knew nothing of the Marines. Standing 5-foot-6, when Williams tried to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1942, he was told he was too short for service.
After the height regulations were changed in early 1943, he successfully enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in Charleston, West Virginia, on May 26.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Hershel W. Williams was married to his beloved wife, Ruby Williams, for over 60 years until her passing. The couple had three children together. His love for family and commitment to his loved ones played a significant role in shaping the man he was—one who valued connections and the support of those around him.
As Hershel W. Williams is no longer with us, details about any contemporary boyfriend or girlfriend do not apply. His legacy remains entwined with his wife and family.
At birth, Williams weighed 3 1/2 pounds and was not expected to live. His mother, Lurenna, decided to name him after the doctor who arrived at their farm several days after his birth. By the time he was 11, his father, Lloyd, had died of a heart attack and several of his siblings had died due to the flu.
Net Worth and Salary
While specific figures related to Hershel W. Williams's net worth were not publicly disclosed, as a Medal of Honor recipient and a retired veteran, he likely had a respectable income from various military benefits and veteran organizations. His contributions also allowed him to take part in numerous speaking engagements and appearances, further enhancing his financial status by sharing his remarkable story.
Career, Business and Investments
Hershel W. Williams's career extended far beyond his military service. After World War II, he dedicated himself to the service of his fellow veterans and their families. He played a significant role in veteran advocacy, working to ensure that they received the care and recognition they deserved.
In his later years, he founded the Hershel "Woody" Williams Foundation, committed to supporting Gold Star families and raising awareness about the challenges faced by veterans. His focus was not on business or investments but rather on making a positive impact through philanthropy and service.
Williams worked a series of odd jobs in the area, including as a truck driver for W.S. Harr Construction Company of Fairmont, and as a taxi driver. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, he was working in Montana as a Civilian Conservation Corps enrollee.
Social Network
Hershel W. Williams was known for his humility and modesty, often avoiding the limelight despite his decorated status. After his passing in 2022, his legacy continues to be celebrated through various social media platforms and veteran organizations that honor his contributions. Social networks dedicated to military history and veteran affairs share stories and memories of his service, further enriching his legacy.
Williams was a member of The American Legion, Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Marine Corps League, and Sons of the American Revolution. His medal of honor is on display at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago. For years, Williams struggled with post-traumatic stress until 1962, when he experienced a religious renewal.
In a 2020 Washington Post interview remembering the 75th anniversary of the Iwo Jima battle, he credited his religious awakening with ending his nightmares and transforming his life.
Education
While specific details about his formal education are scarce, Hershel W. Williams finished high school before enlisting in the Marine Corps. His life experiences on the battlefield, coupled with his dedication to serving others, were his greatest educators. Throughout his life and career, he continued to learn and advocate for veterans and their families, embodying the spirit of lifelong learning.
"It's one of those things you put in the recess of your mind. You were fulfilling an obligation that you swore to do, to defend your country.
Anytime you take a life, there's always some aftermath to that if you've got any heart at all."In 2021, Woody Williams attended his great-grandson Cedar Ross's graduation from Boot Camp in the United States Marine Corps. The advice he gave his great-grandson was "to do the very best he could and then to do a little more".
