Medal of Honor: William A. McWhorter – World War II – December 5, 1944
Pinned in a defensive position during a fierce Japanese attack on Leyte, one machine gunner saw a live demolition charge land at his feet — and chose to shield his assistant with his own body, giving his life to save another.
December 5, 2025
Name: William A. McWhorter
Rank: Private First Class
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company M, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division
Place and Date: Leyte, Philippine Islands – 5 December 1944
Entered Service At: Liberty, South Carolina
Born: 1918 – Liberty, South Carolina
Departed: December 5, 1944 (Killed in Action)
Accredited To: South Carolina
Summary of Action
On December 5, 1944, during combat on the island of Leyte, Private First Class William A. McWhorter was serving as a machine gunner in a fortified position with one assistant. As Japanese forces launched a heavy attack, McWhorter opened fire, killing several members of an approaching demolition squad.
Despite his deadly aim, one enemy soldier succeeded in throwing a fused demolition charge directly into the entrenchment. With no time to throw it clear and no chance for both men to escape, McWhorter acted instantly. He seized the charge, held it tightly against his own body, and bent over to shield his assistant from the blast.
The explosion killed him instantly — but his selfless action saved the other soldier’s life.
Private First Class McWhorter’s sacrifice stands as one of the clearest examples of valor: choosing another man’s life over his own.
Medal of Honor Citation
