It was 71 years ago that brave men stormed the beaches and fought in the battle of Iwo Jima. Once again, those members of the greatest generation flew from around the country right here to Wichita Falls for the Iwo Jima Reunion.
World War II veteran Cy Young started the Iwo Jima Reunion more than 20 years ago in hopes to recognize all branches of the military that fought in the legendary battle.
He said he has no plans of stopping any time soon.
“I think it’ll be around a long time, and I’ll be around as long as I can,” Cy said. “I’m not too old, but I’m 96!”
Hershel “Woody” Williams has been flying in from West Virginia for the last 17 years, and this year was chosen as the keynote speaker.
Woody is the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the battle of Iwo Jima.
But the Marine Corps almost didn’t let him join at all; they had a height requirement of 5’8…Woody was only 5’6.
Luckily, not too long after, the height requirement was lowered.
“The recruiter looked me up and said, ‘Do you still want to go in the Marine Corps?’ And I said yes! And off we go!” Woody said. “That was the primary thing that all of us were fighting for, is to save that freedom so nobody could take it away from us.”
In addition to his Medal of Honor, the Navy has also announced it’s plans to name a ship after Woody, something that a Marine friend of his has had in the works since 1997.
“I said, ‘Ron, it’s useless. I’ve got to be dead to get a ship named after me and I ain’t going to die, so you’re just wasting your time!'” he said.
But the law changed, and now, living heroes can receive the honor.
“I’m still dreaming! My reality hasn’t fully set in yet,” Woody said.
Woody has also started a foundation to honor other Medal of Honor recipients, as well as their families.
(Information from TexomasHomepage.com)
