Biography
McWhorter joined the Army from his birthplace of Liberty, South Carolina, and by December 5, 1944, was serving as a private first class in Company M, 126th Infantry Regiment (United States), 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division (United States), 32nd Infantry Division. On that day, at Leyte in the Philippines, he smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown explosive with his body, sacrificing himself to protect the man next to him. For this action, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor nine months later, on September 27, 1945. McWhorter, aged 25 at his death, was buried in West View Cemetery, Liberty, South Carolina.Medal of Honor citation
Private First Class McWhorter's official Medal of Honor citation reads: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.
See also
*List of Medal of Honor recipientsReferences
* {{DEFAULTSORT:McWhorter, William A. 1918 births 1944 deaths United States Army personnel killed in World War II United States Army Medal of Honor recipients People from Pickens County, South Carolina United States Army soldiers World War II recipients of the Medal of Honor