Woody Williams, the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II who passed away last week at the age of 98, will have his casket lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda as an honor to him and all those who fought in the Second World War, USA Today reports.
Williams, a Marine from West Virginia trained in the use of a flamethrower, destroyed a network of reinforced enemy bunkers, caves and pillboxes with the cover of a handful of riflemen. While he was in combat, Williams was able to watch both raisings of the American flag on Mount Suribachi. He went on to have a 20-year career in the Marines.
“Woody Williams embodied the best of America: living a life of duty, honor and courage,” Pelosi wrote in a release. “When Woody lies in honor under the Capitol Dome, it will be with immense gratitude for his service that the Congress will pay tribute to this legendary hero — and all of the patriots who fought for our nation in World War II.”