West Virginia International Yeager Airport Staff and the Central West Virginia Regional Airport Board Members are mourning the loss of Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams today. His heroism and dedication will be remembered around the world for generations to come.
“Woody William’s devotion to service members, veterans, and their families was remarkable,” said Yeager Airport Director and CEO Nick Keller. “He was a true American hero, and his commitment to our service members will live on at CRW through the Woody Williams Military Flight Operations Center.”
The Woody Williams Military Flight Operations Center at CRW was dedicated in July 2019 as part of the Home Base Program. The center consists of flight planning, operations, briefing, equipment lockers, communications, and office space that is utilized by military aviation units basing at West Virginia International Yeager Airport for training detachments. The top-notch facility is part of the Airport’s efforts to bring in more business from military sources to increase flight operations and invigorate the local economy.
Born on a dairy farm in 1923 in Quiet Dell, West Virginia, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams dedicated his life to recognizing and commemorating the service and devotion to duty of our service men and women. Woody Williams was a retired United States Marine Corps warrant officer who received the military’s highest decoration of valor, the Medal of Honor, for heroism above and beyond the call of duty in World War II, on the island of Iwo Jima.
Woody noted in a recent interview with CRW staff that in 1943 when he enlisted in the Marines in Charleston, West Virginia, he knew someone was trying to take our freedom away, and he wanted to be a part of protecting America. When we asked about the day he received his Medal of Honor, Woody humbly said he was just doing the job the Marines had trained him to do.
He will be greatly missed by many, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of West Virginians, Veterans, and all service members who pass through West Virginia International Yeager Airport. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his beloved family and all who mourn this tremendous loss.
