On February 21, 2022, Senator Joe Manchin was honored with the George Marshall Award from Hershel “Woody” Williams and the State Funeral for World War II Veterans organization. 

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The presentation ceremony was held at the West Virginia offices of Senator Joe Manchin and was attended by the press. Senator Manchin received the award from Hershel “Woody” Williams, who is the only living holder of the Medal of Honor from the Second World War. 

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Senator Manchin has been a champion of the World War II Veteran during his 11 years on Capitol Hill and has been actively involved in honoring them with initiatives such as the HIRE Veterans Act, the VA Provider Accountability Act, and the naming of the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams assault ship. This award honors the memory and sacrifice of the World War II Veterans and serves to recognize Senator Manchin’s commitment and dedication to honoring them.

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The George Marshall Award has been presented to two World War II Medal of Honor recipients in the past, Hershel “Woody” Williams in 2020 and Technical Sergeant Charles Coolidge in 2021. Senator Manchin mentioned these two Medal of Honor recipients. He quoted,

“I can't tell you how humbled I am and an honor this is, not just for me, but for the state of West Virginia, for two of the recipients, both be from West Virginia. I look around, I see so many and General Crane and the National Guard is our military, and that's who we rally around.”

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Senator Manchin has been an active supporter of the State Funeral for World War II Veterans organization and has introduced a resolution calling for a State Funeral for the last Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. 

He has also been a vocal advocate for the naming of the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams assault ship and for the HIRE Veterans Act, which seeks to make it easier for Veterans to transition into the civilian workforce. The presentation of the George Marshall Award to Senator Manchin is a tribute to the sacrifice made by those who served in the Armed Forces during World War II, and a recognition of Senator Manchin’s commitment to honoring their legacy. The State Funeral for World War II Veterans organization is dedicated to honoring the memory of the World War II veterans and their service, and Senator Manchin’s receipt of the George Marshall Award is a testament to this mission.

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Woody Williams mentioned his life events and how his fellows served our country. He also mentioned the efforts of Bill McNutt and stated,

“I never thought that maybe Bill McNutt would invite me to do what we're going to do here this morning. Bill is one of these guys who just can't quit. He won't quit. And he's involved in so many things, I can't keep track of it. But one of the things that I'm really proud of him doing is in Corsicana, Texas, he got a Goldstar family memorial monument placed on the courthouse lawn, the first and only one on the courthouse lawn. And he had to fight a big problem to get that accomplished. So, Bill, thank you for that. It wouldn't have happened without you.”

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During Senator Manchin’s speech, Manchin commented on the significance of the award, which recognizes a patriotic American who best celebrates the sacrifice, resilience, and service of the 16 million women and men who served in our Armed Forces during World War II. Manchin was visibly moved by the presence of Hershel “Woody” Williams, the only living holder of the Medal of Honor from the Second World War, and thanked him for his service and sacrifice, calling him “an American hero”. 

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Manchin also praised Williams for his comments on the significance of the award and for appreciating the bi-partisan efforts of those like Manchin to honor the legacy of the World War II generation. Manchin expressed his appreciation for the State Funeral for World War II Veterans organization and their Chairman, Bill McNutt, for their tireless efforts in honoring the legacy of the World War II generation.

 

Manchin noted that the George Marshall Award is a fitting tribute to the sacrifice made by those who served in the Armed Forces during World War II and recognizes his commitment to honoring their legacy. 

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Additionally, Manchin spoke of the importance of honoring the legacy of the World War II generation and urged Congress and President Biden to designate a State Funeral for the Final Medal of Honor holder from World War II. Manchin concluded his speech by affirming his commitment to fight to honor and serve our Veterans who have sacrificed on behalf of all of us.