July 2, 2022 9:40 a.m. 

Governor Kate Brown has ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff until sunset Saturday, in honor and remembrance of Hershel W. “Woody” Williams.

A release said Williams was the last surviving Medal of Honor Recipient from World War II. He died on June 29th.

Brown said Williams was the embodiment of the American patriot. He served in the U.S. Marine Crops in the Battle of Iwo Jima, where he displayed the ‘valiant devotion to duty’ and heroism that earned him the Medal of Honor. Brown said, “After World War II, he dedicated himself to helping others who served by working as a veteran service representative in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for more than 30 years. Dan and I are keeping his family and loved ones in our thoughts”.

Brown also encourages all Oregonians to lower their flags as a sign of respect for Williams.