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Honoring American TroopsMedal of Honor Archive

Private First Class · U.S. Army

William A. McWhorter

Private First Class William A. McWhorter, Army, received the Medal of Honor posthumously for actions on December 5, 1944 in Leyte, Philippine Islands during World War II.

World War II December 5, 1944Posthumous

Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Private First Class William A. McWhorter was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on December 5, 1944 in Leyte, Philippine Islands during World War II. At the time he was serving with Company M, 126th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division. McWhorter was 25 years old.

McWhorter was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded. He later rose to the rank of Sergeant.

McWhorter was born on December 7, 1918 in Liberty, Pickins County, South Carolina. He is buried at West View Cemetery in Liberty, South Carolina.

McWhorter is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 33 credited to South Carolina.

★ Gave Their Lives

Official Medal of Honor 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.

Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.

Wounds and death in action

  • Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (December 5, 1944).
  • Age at death: 25
  • Resting place: West View Cemetery

Other decorations and honors

Besides the Medal of Honor, William A. McWhorter received:

Purple Heart

Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.

Battles and campaigns

Also served in: World War II.

Places

  • Born: Liberty — map

Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in South Carolina →

Timeline

  1. December 7, 1918
    Born in Liberty, Pickins County, South Carolina
  2. December 5, 1944
    Act of valor — Leyte, Philippine Islands
    Age 25. Company M, 126th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division Killed in action.
  3. Resting place
    West View Cemetery
    Liberty, South Carolina

Biography

William Alexander 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.

From the Wikipedia article “William A. McWhorter”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →

More World War II recipients from South Carolina

TA Thomas Eugene "gene" Atkins Private First Class · Army World War II · 1945 FS Furman L. Smith Private · Army World War II · 1944 ✦ George Lafayette Mabry Jr. Lieutenant Colonel · Army World War II · 1944 Robert Allen Owens Sergeant · Marine Corps World War II · 1943 ✦
Sources. Service and award details compiled from the recipient record of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Wikidata and Wikipedia. The narrative summary is generated from these records. Spotted an error? Send a correction.