Pfc William A. McWhorter
U.S. Army, 32nd Infantry Division, 126th Infantry Regiment, Company M
Background
 William Alexander McWhorter was born December 7, 1918 to parents John O'Dell McWhorter and Ella Elvan Rogers McWhorter in Liberty, South Carolina. On October 16, 1940 at age 21, he registered for the draft.
Wartime History
McWhorter enlisted in the U.S. Army. Assigned to the 32nd Infantry Division (32nd ID) "Red Arrow Division", 126th Infantry Regiment (126th IR), Company M. Promoted to the rank of Private First Class.
Wartime History
On December 5, 1944 McWhorter was manning a machine gun emplaced in a defensive position with an assistant gunner on Leyte when the Japanese launched a heavy attack against his position. McWhorter a machine gunner opening fire, killing several members of an advancing demolition squad, when one of the Japanese succeeded in throwing a fused demolition charge into his position. Without hesitation, McWhorter picked up the improvised grenade and deliberately held it close to his body, bending over and turning away to protect his assistant and was instantly killed when it detonated.
Medal of Honor
For his actions on December 5, 1944 McWhorter earned the Medal of Honor, posthumously.
Medal of Honor Citation (December 5, 1944, posthumously) General Orders No. 82, September 27, 1945
 "The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class William A. McWhorter, United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 5 December 1944, while serving with Company M, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action at Leyte, Philippine Islands, while engaged in operations against the enemy. Private First Class 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, Private First Class 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. Private First Class McWhorter’s outstanding heroism and supreme sacrifice in shielding a comrade reflect the highest traditions of the military service." |
Memorials
McWhorter was buried in West View Cemetery in Liberty, South Carolina.
References
Congressional Medal of Honor Society - William A McWhorter (MOH citation)
Hall of Valor - William A. McWhorter (MOH citation)
FindAGrave - PFC William A. McWhorter (photo, grave photo)
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