b. 07/12/1918 Liberty, South Carolina. d. 05/12/1944 Leyte, Philippines.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 05/12/1944 Leyte, Philippines.
William A McWhorter MOH
WWII Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as a Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company M, 126th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division. On December 5, 1944 at Leyte the Philippine Islands, Pfc. McWhorter a machine gunner, was emplaced in a defensive position with one assistant when the Japanese launched a heavy attack. Manning the gun and opening fire, he killed several members of an advancing demolition squad, when one of the enemy succeeded in throwing a fused demolition charge in there entrenchment. Without hesitation 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 was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on September 27, 1945 and it was accredited to his home state of South Carolina. His original grave marker did not state Medal of Honor.
MOH 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 one assistant when the enemy launched a heavy attack. Manning the gun and opening fire, he killed several members of an advancing demolition squad, when one 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.
BURIAL LOCATION: WEST VIEW CEMETERY, LIBERTY, SOUTH CAROLINA.
LOT 246.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
