Harry Truman, president of the United States, congratulates Hershel "Woody" Williams, a Marine reservist and survivor of the battle of Iwo Jima, on being awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle of Iwo Jima, October 5, 1945 at the White House in Washington. Williams received the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life" on 23 February 1945 during the Battle of Iwo Jima.