Hershel "Woody" Williams Donates his Medal of Honor to the Museum & Library

In October 2010, the Museum & Library celebrated the opening of its new location on Michigan Avenue in Chicago's Loop. Hershel "Woody" Williams donated his original Medal of Honor at the event. 

Williams was a Marine who served in World War II and received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Williams' specialty in the Marine Corps was demolitions and flamethowers. He was a corporal in the 21st Marines.

He was discharged from the Marines in 1945 following the war and then reenlisted, spending time with the inactive Marine Corps Reserve and Organized Marine Reserve and was then honorarily retired after 17 years of service.

Williams donated his Medal of Honor so that "Others might see it and it to will have an impact and an influence on some youth." Williams served as the Congressional Medal of Honor Society for 35 years.

His medal is still on display at the Museum & Library in the Medal of Honor exhibit on the first floor.