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The late Woody Williams will never forget the odor of burning human remains.

“There are some things about that 4 hours that have bothered me my whole life… I can’t remember going back and getting the other 5 flamethrowers. It was so horrific, I didn’t want to remember.”

I was introduced to death by flamethrower after learning of Mr. Williams. He went thru 5 – 70 lb flamethrowers in a 4-hour battle on Iwo Jima. Two of the Marines assigned to him were killed that day protecting his life. At the time of this interview in 2017, he was the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor from that battle, and the last surviving Marine to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism in World War II. Mr. Williams died in 2022.

I asked Woody, “What did you know about Iwo Jima before you got there?” His response, “Not a thing!” Later he saw the flag raised on Mount Suribachi, but didn’t consider the significance at that time. He had a job to do and wasn’t reveling in the moment.

His story is remarkable. He was awarded the Medal of Honor by Pres. Truman, but admits being more nervous to meet the Commandant of the Marine Corp than the President. He shares with us what both these men told him regarding the medal. He didn’t know anything about the MOH beforehand. Even the day he received it he didn’t know what it was about.

Awesome interview. You should read his medal citation below and learn more about him at these links:

Read his Medal of Honor Citation

Learn about his foundation:

Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation

*originally published Oct 30, 2017

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This week I talk with my good friend Mike about his volunteer work. He’s a photography instructor by profession, but his most rewarding work is traveling the globe when massive natural disasters occur. He shares why this work is so fulfilling despite his life being threatened multiple times, details about his extended stays in Haiti, Nepal, Japan, and shorter relief efforts in the southern US.

He also shares his failed businesses, financial struggles and the fruits of his service. He has a “go-bag” and is always ready to leave within 24 hrs of disaster. He gives us some tips of what tools he travels with and what’s in his go-bag.

As an adult, he has never worked for someone else to live. He’s always been an entrepreneur and after many years has found financial stability. We went a little long today, but there was so much information that needed to be covered. We still had to cut it short. After listening, you’ll understand why he is a Patriot to the Core.

Learn more about Mike and his work at:

www.redlightning.com

www.michaelthemaven.com

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Ep 113 | Hershel “Woody” Williams – Medal of Honor Recipient from Iwo Jima

Episode 002 – Michael Andrew, founder of Red Lightning, author, and natural disaster volunteer