Hershel Williams was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions on Iwo Jima island in the Western Pacific, February, 1945.
During the battle for Iwo Jima US Marines were thwarted by re-enforced concrete bunkers positioned to defend the Japanese airfield on the island. Hershel Williams had the perfect combination of weaponry and bravery to overcome the obstacle.
Armed with a flamethrower and a small number of marines to defend him he routed the enemy forces and cleared the corridor that led to victory in one of the most critical battles of World War II.
