Posted on 02/04/2018 5:36:38 PM PST by Kaslin
CBS Minnesota Local WCCO reports that United States Marine Woody Williams will be representing a group of 15 Medal of Honor recipients at tonight’s Super Bowl LII between the New England Patriots and Philadephia Eagles. Williams, aged 94 years-old, will do the official coin toss to determine who starts the game with the ball.
Williams said he hopes that the coin toss and the game will in some way unite the nation to “respect our country” and the flag.
“To be honored in this way, it’s just almost like a miracle,” Williams said. “It really is because you don’t ever dream or think that this kind of a thing could happen to you, and then all of a sudden you’re it.”
"It's so far-fetched and such a tremendous honor to be the 52nd person to flip that," he told media. "I hope I'm serving a purpose and to influence and encourage people to serve each other."
“I hope we can maybe raise the bar a little bit of how important it is that we respect our country, that we respect our flag, that we remember and respect and pay tribute and honor to those who never got to come home,” he added.
Williams is the only living Marine Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. He served in Iwo Jima and his bravery earned him the prestigious recognition. But, he retains a humble love of his country, saying, ""I was only doing what was expected of me." The veteran was there when "old glory" was finally planted in the ground. "All of a sudden there's Old Glory and it lifted the spirits of everybody," he said. "We became more determined than ever we would win this thing."
Williams recently had a book written about his life. The book, Flame Thrower, tells the story how Williams "enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and fought in the battles of Guam and Iwo Jima with the 21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. In July 1944, he survived one of the largest Banzai attacks the Japanese would conduct against Marines fighting against the fanatical and ruthless forces of the Imperial Japanese Army. During the battle for Iwo Jima in February 1945, Woody displayed “valiant devotion to duty” and service above self as he “enabled his company to reach its objective. In a four hour engagement, he took out seven pillboxes and killed 50 Japanese with a flamethrower breaking through a line of defense that had held up hundreds of Marines for days. Woody's actions, commitment to his fellow service members, and heroism were recognized on October 5, 1945, when he received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Truman at the White House."
Williams will be joined by the 14 other Medal of Honor recipients on the field.
I watched him, he was looking really good .
NFL definitely trying to rebuild their image. Also a lot of commercials are pushing the Build in America, buy in America theme. Cool how the president can set a tone like that.
... somebody got to him ...
I’m guessing that the headline writer is a baseball fan — toss out the coin flip???
Trying to redeem themselves.
The NFL is now respecting the military? I understand the players behaved themselves and stood for the Anthem, IMO, just so much disingenuous PR. When Goodell gets the shitcanning he richly deserves and there’s a fundamental attitudinal change in the NFL from the players to upper mgmt then MAYBE then I’ll reconsider following pro football.
He’s active on twitter. Not bad for a 94 year old.
He sure did, real good. If you haven’t, read this story here about him. In one battle he took out 7 pillboxes and fried 50 Japs with his flamethrower. Shake and ‘bake’ baby!
As is Gen. Chuck Yeager. He replies to a lot of posts, questions etc.
G0d bless you for your service, Marine, but, sorry, I’m not watching.
agreed. I’ve not watched a game is Kraperdick (that’s the spelling I’m using) and not watching it, at this point EVER again. The NFL can kiss my A$$
ML/NJ
This old Marine is a great man. End of comment.
Did any players kneel during the anthem?
I didn’t see him, but my husband did. How wonderful to honor this courageous vet in a distinctly American way.
And kick sand in the faces of the Take a Knee thugs at the same time.
I dunno, it seems like a pretty big backpedaling over whole kneeling thing, kind of a “Hey, look, we’re patriotic, honest!” to me.
(I seem to recall an NFL player-strike a few years ago and there were concerns that the whole season would be scrapped, about the time Fast and Furious was starting to get traction... and then it “magically” cleared up.)
The NFL is trying way too hard. No sale.
He fumbled the flip badly and chucked it about 2 yards forward. Not even sure it turned over at all. Lol
My cousin knows this guy personally and this is what he wrote to me about Woody a few days ago:
You must realize that Woody feels that the mission that he is on, GOLD STAR FAMILIES, is bigger than him, me, you, or anybody else. GOLD STAR FAMILIES are about the TRUE HEROS, not those that someone might think are heroes and I will absolutely assure you that is Woody’s thinking. Every time, even before GOLD STAR FAMILIES was an organization, that I have heard Woody talk about the events that led up to him receiving the CMH he has said that he is not a hero; those that died defending him are the heroes.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.