LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The nation's last World War II Medal of Honor recipient is being remembered on Thursday, inside the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

The body of Hershel "Woody" Williams was lying in state on Thursday. A congressional tribute was held for the well-known war hero, who visited his family in Louisville often.

Williams, who died on Wednesday at 98, was a legend in his native West Virginia for his heroics under fire over several crucial hours at the battle for Iwo Jima. As a young Marine corporal, Williams went ahead of his unit in February 1945 and eliminated a series of Japanese machine gun positions. Facing small-arms fire, Williams fought for four hours, repeatedly returning to prepare demolition charges and obtain flamethrowers.

"He is a deeply selfless American and a vital link to our nation's greatest generation," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.

His family said today's ceremony is the perfect way to honor his legacy.

"It's bittersweet," said Brent Casey, Williams' grandson. "We've lost a great hero, I've lost what I feel is my best friend and my grandfather but, at the same time, what he would have wanted is for this opportunity to really honor all 16 million Americans that served in World War II."

Williams died last month at the age of 98. He served for the U.S. Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Reserve.

"My purpose strictly is to encourage our youth to know what our country is about, what it took, the sacrifice just so we could be a free people," Williams previously said to WDRB.

After the war, he served as a representative for the millions of Americans who served in World War II.

Williams created the Hershel "Woody" Williams Medal of Honor Foundation, which supports Gold Star families.

There are several monuments in Kentucky and two in progress. One is in Louisville and the other is in Shelby County.

Along with that, his legacy will continue with a VA medical center and a U.S. Navy ship bearing his name.

In Washington, congressional leadership gave remarks and there will be a public wreath-laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial.

"Woody can rest in peace knowing his mission is complete," U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin said

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