A Portrait of Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams

For several years now I have created graphite portraits for History Net. They publish a bi-monthly magazine called Military History and my little drawings appear alongside each issue’s featured interview.

 Earlier this year, their subject was Hershel W. “Woody” Williams – the last remaining Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. In the interview Williams describes his personal wartime experiences as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and specifically – his actions during the battle of Iwo Jima that earned him the distinguished honor. You can read the full article HERE.

 One day last week, I had CNN on in the background while I was drawing. I happened to look up, saw the screen and thought, “Hey, I know that face!” Sadly, they were announcing that Williams had died at the ripe old age of 99.  He will lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, and a ceremony honoring him will take place at a later date when Congress resumes session.