Hershel Williams Signed 11x14 Photo (PSA) WWII Iwo Jima Invasion Photograph

Presented is a hand-signed 11x14 photograph titled “Iwo Jima: Enemy Defense Installations,” personally autographed and inscribed by Corporal Hershel W. “Woody” Williams (1923–2022), United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor Recipient. Williams has added the historic inscription:

“Medal of Honor, February 23, 1945.”

The autograph has been authenticated by PSA/DNA and is accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

Corporal Hershel “Woody” Williams earned his place among America’s most revered heroes for his extraordinary gallantry during the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the fiercest and most iconic engagements of World War II. Serving with the 21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Williams demonstrated unmatched courage and determination on February 23, 1945, as his unit encountered a heavily fortified network of Japanese pillboxes and defensive positions.

Armed with a flamethrower and protected by four Marine riflemen who provided covering fire, Williams single-handedly attacked and destroyed seven enemy machine-gun emplacements, clearing the way for his company to advance. His actions that day—undertaken under intense enemy fire—were credited with saving countless American lives and directly contributing to the eventual U.S. victory on the island.

For his valor and selfless devotion to duty, Hershel W. Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on October 5, 1945. His citation recognized his “indomitable fighting spirit and unyielding determination in the face of ruthless enemy resistance.”

Following his military service, Williams dedicated his life to honoring veterans and Gold Star Families. He established the Hershel Woody Williams Foundation, which continues to build Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments across the United States, ensuring that the sacrifices of fallen service members and their families are never forgotten.

This PSA/DNA authenticated 11x14 photograph—signed and inscribed by one of the last surviving Medal of Honor recipients of World War II—stands as a powerful tribute to the courage, patriotism, and humanity of a true American legend.

Signer: Cpl. Hershel W. “Woody” Williams (1923–2022), U.S. Marine Corps, Medal of Honor Recipient

Unit: 21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division

Battle: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands – February 23, 1945

Inscription: “Medal of Honor, February 23, 1945”

Medium: Hand-signed and inscribed in ink on 11x14 photograph

A portion of the sale of this auction will be donated to the General James. H Doolittle Scholarship Fund. The General James H. Doolittle Scholarship Fund was founded to assist college students by awarding one scholarship annually in the maximum amount of $5,000 to a deserving student who is pursuing a baccalaureate or advanced degree in aeronautical engineering or an aerospace science. Students are selected based on their scholastic achievement, school and community participation, demonstrated leadership potential and financial need. More information can be found at the Doolittle Scholarship Funds’ website.

The autograph(s) includes an official PSA/DNA hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA COA

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.