SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 39
(By Senators Craigo, Unger, Plymale, Redd, Wooton, Jackson,
Chafin, Bowman, Snyder, Bailey, Anderson, McCabe, Prezioso,
Helmick, Fanning, Edgell, Kessler, Minard, Sharpe, Ross,
Mitchell, Love, Hunter, Rowe, Caldwell, Facemyer and Minear)
Requesting the Secretary of the Department of the Navy name a
United States naval ship in honor of Congressional Medal of
Honor recipient Hershel Woodrow Williams.
Whereas, The highest honor which can be bestowed upon a member
of the United States military is the Congressional Medal of Honor,
which was made a permanent decoration by the United States Congress
in 1860; and
Whereas, Since the establishment of the Congressional Medal of
Honor, millions of Americans have fought in 22 wars and armed
conflicts; and
Whereas, West Virginia, per capita, has sent more men and
women to serve in the armed forces of the United States than any
other state in the union; and
Whereas, Hershel Woodrow Williams served as a Corporal in the
United States Marine Corps Reserve, 21st Marines, 3rd Marine
Division, during World War II; and
Whereas, Hershel Woodrow Williams was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service to the United States
of America during World War II. On the island of Iwo Jima on
February 23, 1945, his unyielding determination and extraordinary
heroism in the face of ruthless enemy resistance were directly
instrumental in neutralizing one of the most fanatically defended
Japanese strong points encountered by his regiment; and
Whereas, Hershel Woodrow Williams' aggressive fighting spirit
and valiant devotion to duty throughout his service sustained and
enhanced the highest traditions of the United States armed forces;
and
Whereas, Hershel Woodrow Williams has dedicated his life to
the service of all veterans and is actively involved in numerous
veteran organizations; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby requests the Secretary of the
Department of the Navy to name a United States naval ship in honor
of Hershel Woodrow Williams whose service to his nation, above and
beyond the call of duty, earned him the Congressional Medal of
Honor; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the Secretary of the Department of the
Navy and to Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Hershel Woodrow Williams.