Corsicana Texas Veteran Dedicates Gold Star Memorial

On May 15, 2021, in Corsicana, Texas, Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last Medal of Honor recipient who served in World War II, dedicated a Gold Star Memorial Monument at the Navarro County Courthouse. During the ceremony, members of the Commemorative Air Force Coyote Squadron conducted a flyover.

Williams has tried to establish Gold Star Memorial monuments across the U.S. The Navarro County monument is the 76th, thus far, and the only one to date located at a courthouse. Williams considers himself a caretaker of the nation’s highest prestigious military decoration awarded to those who fought in battle. The purpose of Gold Star monument is to give family members a place to honor, remember, and grieve.

Williams was in the 1st Battalion 21st Marine Regiment 3rd Marine Division. He received a Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945. On that day, he used a flame thrower to clear out seven fortified pillboxes in four hours. At the ceremony Williams discussed some of his World War II experience at Iwo Jima and Guam.

All of the Gold Star Families in attendance placed flowers around the monument to honor and respect the fallen who fought for our freedom.