WWII Marine Laments a Lost America as Nation Bids Farewell to Hero Hershel “Woody” Williams

U.S. Marine Carl Spurlin Dekel, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, shared a somber reflection on what he believes has been lost in modern America. “The things we fought for, the boys that died for it—it’s all gone down the drain,” Dekel told Fox 13, adding that while serving in WWII was the most meaningful act of his life, he’s heartbroken by the country’s shift away from its foundational values.

“We haven’t got the country we had when I was raised,” Dekel said. “Nobody will have the opportunity I had.”

On the same day Dekel voiced his concerns, America lost its last living WWII Medal of Honor recipient, Marine legend Hershel “Woody” Williams, who died at 98 in a West Virginia hospital bearing his name. Williams earned his medal for heroic action during the battle of Iwo Jima in 1945.

Fellow Medal of Honor recipients honored him not just as a war hero, but as a tireless veterans’ advocate and symbol of post-war resilience. “We knew him as our friend and one of our heroes. We will miss him greatly.”

Despite their shared concerns about waning patriotism, both Dekel and Williams believed in America’s potential for revival. As Williams put it during a Memorial Day event, “It gives me encouragement that we’re coming back.”