McWhorter, William A.

Date of birth:: December 7th, 1918 (Liberty/South Carolina, United States)
Date of death:: December 5th, 1944 (Leyte, Philippine Islands)
Buried on:: American War Grave West View Cemetery
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Medal of Honor - Army (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Private 1st Class
Unit:: Company M, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: September 27th, 1945

"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."

Awarded posthumously.

Purple Heart

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Private First Class
Unit:: Company M, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army

Sources

- Jordan, Kenneth N., Yesterday’s Heroes – 433 men of World War II awarded the Medal of Honor 1941-1945, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., USA, 1996
- Blakeley, H.W., The 32nd Infantry Division – In world War II, The Battery Press, Nashville, USA, 2000