ww2 Archives -

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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On this special Christmas Day episode, we hear from a legend from WWII – Gail (Hal) Halvorsen. He has many names: Uncle Wiggly Wings, The Berlin Candy Bomber and The Chocolate Flier. He became popular for dropping candy from his plane to the children of Berlin, from 1948-49.

His efforts gained support from many back in the states. School children packaged candy in boxes with parachutes, and candy companies like Wrigley and Hershey’s donated items. Thanks to his efforts he and his team had dropped 23 tons of candy by Christmas 1949.

Today we talk of “Operation Little Viddles”, how he became a pilot, how to overcome trials and depression, freedom vs. communism and the importance of serving others. This is an uplifting episode that you don’t want to miss. He shares that these children in Berlin taught him about freedom more than anything else. It’s amazing what 2 sticks of gum turned in to!

Learn more about Mr. Halvorsen here:

http://wigglywings.weebly.com/

His book, “The Berlin Candy Bomber” here: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/088290616X

Special with Tom Brokaw: https://youtu.be/QWbISrde2mQ

Note: Mr. Halvorsen passed away in February of 2022 at the age of 101. This is an interview I did with him back in 2016.

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

Ep 098 | Christmas from Heaven – Gail Halvorsen