Hershel “Woody” Williams, the last survivor among 473 servicemen awarded the Medal of Honor for battlefield bravery in World War II, died Wednesday while surrounded by family at the VA Medical Center in West Virginia that bears his name.
His death was announced by the Woody Williams Foundation which works to support Gold Star families, those related to veterans who died in combat. He was 98.
“Woody’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude for all the love and support. They would also like to share that Woody’s wish is that people continue on with his mission,” the foundation said in a statement.