Haywood County honors the men and women who served during World War II and those who gave their lives in defense of the country. It also recognizes local Congressional Medal of Honor winners William D. Halyburton, Jr., who was killed while serving with a Marine Rifle Co. Bn., in the 2nd Bn., 5th Marines, 1st Marine Div., during action against Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain on 10 May 1945, and Max Thompson, who was wounded in action while serving with Co. K, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Div, against German forces near Haaren, Germany on 18 October 1944. The names of Haywood County World War II veterans and the year they entered service are also recorded.