Hershel Woody Williams, the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient has died, age 98.

Woody Williams made this video for the 77th Anniversary Reunion, February, 2022.

A message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps General David H. Berger:

“On behalf of all Marines, Sgt Maj. Black and I are heartbroken to learn of Woody’s passing. From his actions on Iwo Jima to his lifelong service to our Gold Star Families, Woody has left an indelible mark on the legacy of our Corps. As the last of America’s “Greatest Generation” to receive the Medal of Honor, we will forever carry with us the memory of his selfless dedication to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to our great Nation. The Marine Corps is fortunate to have many heroes, but there is only one Woody Williams. Semper Fidelis, Marine.”

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Update: See Below Letter Regarding Iwo Jima Trip, March 2023

The Iwo Jima Association of America Holds The 77th Anniversary Reunion, Feb 16 – Feb 19, 2022

**Iwo Jima Veterans Roy Earle, John DeGannaro, Louis Bourgault and Ivan Hammand**.

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Day 1, Thursday February 17, 2022

A visit to The National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Iwo Jima Veterans, their family members and IJAA staff were given a police motorcycle escort by the Arlington County Police from Crystal City, VA to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA.

**LtCol (Ret) Raul “Art” Sifuentes and John Butler pose inside the museum in front of the actual helicopter that Art flew in Vietnam, the H-34.**

**Seated at the table are Roy Earle (Iwo Jima Veteran) and Annette Loper.**

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Day 2, Friday, February 18, 2022

A visit to the WWII Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial

**The Four Iwo Jima Veterans Are With MGySg (Ret) Roger Roll (with the wreath) On The Pacific Side Of The WWII Memorial**.

**News Media Coordinator Fred (“Flash”) Lash Reads to the Veterans at the WWII Memorial.**

**At The Iwo Jima Memorial**
**(First Row) Roger Roll and The Four Iwo Jima Veterans**
**(Second Row) Arlington County Police Motorcycle Escort**

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LtGov Winsome Earle-Sears Accepts Invitation

**LtGen Norman Smith Gives The Woody Williams Spirit Award To LtGov Winsome Earle-Sears. Commandant of The United States Coast Guard Karl Schultz is on the right.**

**Although Woody Williams was unable to travel to the reunion, he provided a video that was watched by all in attendance at the banquet held Saturday evening, Feb 19, 2022.**

David Fields holds the microphone for Louis Bourgault during the Symposium held Saturday afternoon, February 19. Seated at the table from left to right are Iwo Jima Veterans John DeGannaro, Roy Earle, Louis Bourgault and Ivan Hammond.

**MajGen David Bice, Master of Ceremonies kicks off the evening banquet with opening remarks.**

**LtGov Winsom Earle-Sears gives her acceptance speech during the Saturday evening banquet.**

**Gene Colabattisto announces the Silent Auction winners**. Gene was instrumental in organizing the Silent Auction which contributed significantly to the successful and generous donations which will be used to pay for Iwo Jima Veteran’s trip expenses to the island of Iwo Jima in the future.

**LtCol Art Sifuentes, USMC Ret (on the left), is with Robin and Rick Gordon, the owners of Radio King Orchestra who provided dancing music at the banquet.**

Welcome to the new Iwo Jima Association of America website.

OUR MISSION

The Iwo Jima Association of America (IJAA) is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating the history of the Battle of Iwo Jima for future generations. Annually IJAA sponsors two educational and historical symposiums, in the Washington, DC locale and on the island of Guam. The symposium on Guam includes the “Reunion of Honor” memorial service on Iwo Jima, jointly held with the Iwo Jima Association of Japan (IJAJ). The primary purpose of these symposia is to honor those veterans on both sides who sacrificed so much, to and educate the younger generations on the history of the battle in particular, and World War II in general.

Marine Commander of Iwo Jima flag-raising Col. Dave Severance immortalized at Mt. Soledad

Presidential Message on the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima

75th Anniversary Symposium Update

75th Photos

Thank you for your support of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima Gala Event. The dinner, music, history and most importantly — our vets — made this year’s event perfect. See photos here.