Battles/wars World War II Rank Private first class | Battles and wars World War II Name William McWhorter | |
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Born December 7, 1918
Liberty, South Carolina ( 1918-12-07 ) Place of burial West View Cemetery, Liberty, South Carolina Died December 5, 1944, Leyte, Philippines Awards Medal of Honor, Purple Heart | ||
Service/branch United States Army Allegiance United States of America | ||
William A. McWhorter (December 7, 1918 – December 5, 1944) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.
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Biography
McWhorter joined the Army from his birthplace of Liberty, South Carolina, and by December 5, 1944 was serving as a private first class in Company M, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division. On that day, at Leyte in the Philippines, he smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown explosive with his body, sacrificing himself to protect the man next to him. For this action, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor nine months later, on September 27, 1945.
McWhorter, aged 25 at his death, was buried in West View Cemetery, Liberty, South Carolina.
Medal of Honor citation
Private First Class McWhorter's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
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.