Mister Hershel Woody Williams was born on October 2, 1923 in Fairmont, West Virginia. In 1943, Williams enlisted in the Marine Corps in Charleston. He was trained in the Marine Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, and became part of the 32nd Replacement Battalion which was sent to the southwest Pacific. In January 1944, he joined the 3rd Marine Division and later in the year took action against the Japanese at Guam.

In 1945, Williams was shipped to Iwo Jima where he would be recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty. He charged the enemy lines with only a flamethrower and four riflemen backing him up. He led the charge multiple times during the war and was distinguished as a great soldier. He later received a Purple Heart and the Congressional Medal of Honor. Currently he is the only living Congressional Medal of Honor in the state of

The American legion, formed in 1919, is an organization for honorably discharged veterans. In the American Legion, they focus on giving back to their communities. They have many programs that focus on helping children and families of veterans. These programs include, but do not exclude, Boys State, Junior Shooting Sports, and many more. Along with programs, the American legion rewards honorable citizen with awards like the Eagle Scout of the Year Award.  The American Legion also offers scholarships to honorable students.

Trey Westerfeld

Every year, the American Legion holds the Oratorical Contest. The Oratorical Contest is a contest in which students give memorized speeches about the Constitution. These students are then given the opportunity to advance to regionals, states and finally nationals, all based on their speech and interpretation of a random amendment selected by judges. In final the students who place in the top three of the nation win $18,000(1^st), $16,000(2^nd), or $14,000(3^rd). Even if the individual student does not go to finals, they are still given the opportunity to win money. This is a great chance to earn money for college or spending.

 

Trey Westerfeld

As everyone knows, there was a storm Wednesday night with rather strong winds and rainfall. These winds resulted in a large tree near Panhandle becoming damaged and falling into the street, so the staff issued that the tree be cut down. This action took place after breakfast.

The workers proceeded to remove the limbs before cutting a section of the tree until only five feet of the tree remained. They then used the bucket of a tractor to ram into the top until it toppled over leaving a stump and taking care of the problem the damaged tree had presented.

Garrett Willis

On Wednesday, at approximately 4:20, troopers responded to a report in Lewis County that there were shots fired. Upon arrival, the victim was discovered to be dead due to gunshot wounds. The police located one suspect who was later taken into custody. It appears that the initial altercation started at the Red Apple Tavern. The investigation is ongoing.

Jacob Wilkinsin

Thank you Nicholas O’Donnell for understanding what the Medal of Honor is all about.  The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. It is generally presented to its recipient by the President of the United States of America in the name of Congress.

On December 9, 1861, Iowa Senator James W. Grimes introduced S. No. 82 in the United States Senate, a bill designed to “promote the efficiency of the Navy” by authorizing the production and distribution of “medals of honor.”  On December 21st, the bill was passed, authorizing 200 such medals be produced “which shall be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, land men, and maries as shall distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seamanlike qualities during the present war (Civil War).”   Medal

Rank and organization:  Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division.  Place and date:  Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945.  Entered service at:  West Virginia.  Born:  2 October 1923, Quiet Dell, W.Va.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as demolition sergeant serving with the 21 Marines, 3d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945.  Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry through the network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines, and black volcanic sands, Cpl. Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machinegun fire from the unyielding position.  Covered only by 4 riflemen, he fought desperately for 4 hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to

ALMBS State Primary Results

Help us recruit the next graduating class from American Legion Mountaineer Boys State. Information on the 76th program has been sent out to all WV high schools and American Legion Posts. Tell your friends about your experience and encourage them to attend. This year the program will be held June 9-15. And remember you are always welcome back to campus for the Formal Review and evening assembly on Wednesday at 6:00pm. It’s a great time for a reunion with your fellow citizens.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following 2011 State Journal EQT Students of Excellence: Joshua M. Childs (Morgantown High School), Stephen M. Ferguson (Phillip Barbour High School), Austin L. Hickman (Huntington High School), Vincenzo J. Pizzuti (Brooke High School), Adriane M. Rine (Tyler Consolidated High School), and Cameron C. Viney (Elkins High School). These six individuals listed that they were a member of The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State or The American Legion Auxiliary Rhododendron Girls State.