William A. McWhorter

He shielded his assistant from the blast of an enemy charge.

William A. McWhorter earned the Medal of Honor on Leyte, Philippines, on December 5, 1944. A private first class and machine gunner in Company M, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division, he was defending an emplacement with one assistant during an enemy attack.

When an attacker threw a demolition charge into their position, McWhorter picked it up, held it against his body and turned away from his companion. The explosion killed him, while his assistant remained unharmed.

Born in Liberty, South Carolina, on December 7, 1918, McWhorter received the medal posthumously. He also held the rank of sergeant during his service. His award was announced in War Department General Orders No. 82 of 27 September 1945. He is buried at West View Cemetery in Liberty.

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.