What defines a hero? Is it the amount of courage and individuality that makes them a hero? Could a person become known as a hero simply because of his accomplishments? Are noble qualities required of a person considered a hero? The definition of a hero is in the eye of the beholder. In my eyes, Hershel “Woody” Williams showed extraordinary courage, achieved outstanding results, and had noble qualities, and that is why I believe Hershel “Woody” Williams was a true hero. Hershel “Woody” Williams showed his extraordinary courage by serving his country in the Marine Corps Reserves. He began his military career on May 26, 1943 when he enlisted in Charleston, West Virginia. Woody served in the military for a span of 17 years (WebCite query result). His impeccable courage was best demonstrated on February 23, 1945 on a small island in the Pacific Ocean during the Battle of Iwo Jima, where he served with the 21st Marines. , 3rd Marine Division (Iwo Jima.) Its commanding officer was trying to develop a plan to eliminate the Japanese pillboxes. The blockhouses were buried under several feet of volcanic sand, so they could withstand bombs dropped on them. The tanks were useless in trying to reach the pillboxes because they could not get enough traction in the sand to get close enough to the fire. So Hershel took matters into his own hands and strapped on a 70-pound flamethrower, which weighed only 150 pounds, and began heading towards the pillboxes. With only four Marines covering him and having to advance in a standing position because the flamethrower would not allow him to crawl, Hershel fought his way through the trenches and eliminated 7 pillboxes in 4 hours. He escaped the battle unharmed, but two M...... middle of paper ......in the United States Armed Forces, 3,463 were awarded the Medal of Honor. The medal is the highest award an individual serving in the armed forces can receive. It is awarded to men and women who risk their lives and go above and beyond the call of duty. Only 76 Medal of Honor recipients are still alive today, Hershel "Woody" Williams is the last living recipient in West Virginia. His heroic actions saved many lives and will forever be noted and remembered in history and will be shared for many generations to follow. Hershel “Woody” Williams is my hero because of the amount of courage he showed, the accomplishments he achieved, and his noble qualities. Works Cited “IwoJima.” Iwo Jima. Np, nd Web. 10 February 2014. "Medal of Honor." CMOHS.org. Np, nd Web. February 10, 2014."WebCite query result." WebCite query result. Np, nd Web. 10 February. 2014.