For service, for honor
Surrounded by family, friends and fellow veterans, 91year old Estes Woods (sitting, left) of Lake City, a World War II Navy veteran was celebrated with a long overdue honor and official awards ceremony.
Nearly 40 people attended the event to witness Woods being recognized for his service and valor during a special reception held at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
Organized by Woods’ family during his hospitalizaization on 5-West and coordinated by the hospital’s support and clinical staffs.
The event featured military representatives from the Campbell County Honor Guard who read aloud the listing of Mr. Woods many medals and ribbons. In addition, the Honor Guard presented him with the US Flag which was flown on Father’s Day 2017 from the forward mast of his now decommissioned service ship the USS North Carolina which he served on from March, 1943, thru November, 1945.
One of 11 children, Woods was so passionate about serving his country during World War II, that in March of 1943, six months before his 18th birthday, he lied about his age to enlist into the Navy. “I served for my country and for East Tennessee” said Mr. Woods during the recognition ceremony. “I love East Tennessee”.
During his tour of duty, he served as Seaman Second Class – Third Division on the USS North Carolina until November 1945, earning a total of 11 different medals and ribbons including:
Department of Defense Distinguished Service Military Ribbon - WWII Victory Medal - WWII American Campaign Medal - Navy Good Conduct Ribbon - WWII Asiatic Pacific Medal - Navy/Marine Corps-USCG Presidential Unit Citation Medal – WWII American Defense Medal – Philippine Liberation WWII Ribbon – WWII Navy Occupation Ribbon – WWII Philippine Defense Ribbon – Navy Expeditionary Ribbon.
After completing his military service, he married his sweetheart, Mildred Hatmaker and they put down roots in their home town of Lake City. That was 70 years ago and now he and his bride have a wonderful family of five children, eight grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren. Most of them still live here in Mr. Woods’ beloved East Tennessee.
Indeed, thank you Mr. Woods – and to all our veterans – for your service and your sacrifice. We are truly the Home of the Free because of the Brave.