William A. McWhorter-Liberty, SC
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 34° 46.926 W 082° 42.396
17S E 343850 N 3850206
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action in Leyte, Philippine Islands on December 5, 1944. He was killed in action. He is buried in West View Cemetery, Liberty, SC in Lot 246.
Waymark Code: WMX473
Location: South Carolina, United States
Date Posted: 11/24/2017
Views: 0
He was born on December 7, 1918 in Liberty, SC and died on December 5, 1944 in the Philippine Islands. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *McWHORTER, WILLIAM A.
• Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company M, 126th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division
• Place and date: Leyte, Philippine Islands, 5 December 1944
• Entered service at: Liberty, S.C.
• G.O. No.: 82, 27 September 1945
Citation: He displayed gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in operations against the enemy. Pfc. McWhorter, a machine gunner, was emplaced in a defensive position with 1 assistant when the enemy launched a heavy attack. Manning the gun and opening fire, he killed several members of an advancing demolition squad, when 1 of the enemy succeeded in throwing a fused demolition charge in the entrenchment. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Pfc. McWhorter picked up the improvised grenade and deliberately held it close to his body, bending over and turning away from his companion. The charge exploded, killing him instantly, but leaving his assistant unharmed. Pfc. McWhorter's outstanding heroism and supreme sacrifice in shielding a comrade reflect the highest traditions of the military service.
Armed Service: Army
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