The House of Representatives passed the Hershel "Woody" Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act on Sept. 1, 2026, marking the final legislative step to establish a location for a monument on the National Mall. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Rep. Blake Moore of Utah and Rep. Marc Veasey of Texas, honors the service and sacrifice of more than 3,500 Medal of Honor recipients.
Legacy of Hershel Williams
The legislation is named in honor of Hershel "Woody" Williams, the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient to pass away. Williams, who was born in West Virginia in 1923, served in the Marines and distinguished himself during the Iwo Jima landings on Feb. 21, 1945. While singlehandedly destroying enemy pillboxes to clear paths for American infantry and tanks, Williams repeatedly risked himself to enemy fire and bayonet charges.
Valor at Iwo Jima
Williams' actions on Iwo Jima occurred on the same day as the historic flag raising on Mount Suribachi, an event he witnessed from 1,000 yards away. Following his service, President Harry Truman awarded Williams the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest recognition for combat valor. Williams lay in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in the summer of 2022.
Legislative Background
The passage of the act is the concluding step in a legislative process that began during the 117th Congress. The National Medal of Honor Monument Act, which authorized the creation of the monument, was signed into law by President Biden in December 2021.
Honoring Military Sacrifice
Rep. Blake Moore said the legislation is especially fitting as America celebrates its 250th year. He noted that while an estimated 40 million Americans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces since the Civil War, fewer than 4,000 have been awarded the Medal of Honor.
Next Legislative Steps
Rep. Marc Veasey stated that the act will honor the service and sacrifice of thousands of recipients across the nation. The bill now moves toward the President's signature to finalize the monument's placement near the Lincoln Memorial.
