Medal of Honor recipient addresses Men’s Group, Fort Mill students

[media-credit id=18 align=”alignright” width=”300″][/media-credit]One of America’s decorated, honored heroes was in Rock Hill Tuesday, speaking to students in Fort Mill and a Christian Men’s group.

88-year-old Woody Williams was presented the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions above the call of duty at Iwo Jima in 1945.

Williams spoke to both groups Tuesday about freedom and service to others.

President Harry Truman presented Williams with the Medal of Honor after Williams, a Corporal at the time in the Marine Corps, fought Japanese troops with four other men for four hours to capture an enemy stronghold.

Williams says that today, he is dissatisfied with the current state of politics in America, saying there are forces working against the country from within.

But despite his displeasure with present-day politics, he’s inspired by groups of committed Christians — like the ones last night — looking out for each other.

The group known as The Barn Brothers meet once a week in Indian Land, and due to this week’s rains, had to move their gathering to Rock Hill. Williams tells WRHI he never knew the medal hung around his neck by President Truman would mean so much.

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that can be given to a member of the US Armed Forces.

Following his service overseas, Williams worked as a Veterans Service Officer and led the West Virginia Veterans Home. He and his wife now live in Ona, W. Va.

FULL INTERVIEW: [audio: 0918-Williams-BULK.mp3]