Shockley, William Ralph

Date of birth:: December 4th, 1918 (Bokoshe/Oklahoma, United States)
Date of death:: March 31st, 1945 (Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands)
Buried on:: American War Grave Floral Memorial Park
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Private 1st Class
Unit:: Company L, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: October 19th, 1945

"He was in position with his unit on a hill when the enemy, after a concentration of artillery fire, launched a counterattack.. He maintained his position under intense enemy fire and urged his comrades to withdraw, saying that he would "remain to the end" to provide cover. Although he had to clear two stoppages which impeded the reloading of his weapon, he halted one enemy charge. Hostile troops then began moving in on his left flank, and he quickly shifted his gun to fire on them. Knowing that the only route of escape was being cut off by the enemy, he ordered the remainder of his squad to withdraw to safety and deliberately remained at his post. He continued to fire until he was killed during the ensuing enemy charge. Later, 4 Japanese were found dead in front of his position. Pfc. Shockley, facing certain death, sacrificed himself to save his fellow soldiers, but the heroism and gallantry displayed by him enabled his squad to reorganize and continue its attack."

Awarded posthumously