Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO COMMEND THE EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM OF WILLIAM A. MCWHORTER WHO WAS AWARDED THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HIS VALOR, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARD THAT CAN BE BESTOWED UPON A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES.
Whereas, throughout our nation's history, men and women in all eras from Concord and Lexington to Falleujah have gone in harm's way to protect and secure our country's freedom and way of life; and
Whereas, to recognize extraordinary heroism the Congress of the United States established the Medal of Honor which represents the highest award for valor that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces of the United States; and
Whereas, there have been more than three thousand four hundred recipients but fewer than one hundred forty remain with us today; and
Whereas, most recipients of the medal are ordinary Americans from ordinary backgrounds who, under extraordinary circumstances and at great risk to their own lives, performed an incredible act or a series of acts of conspicuous valor that clearly sets them apart from their comrades; and
Whereas, thirty-seven citizens with South Carolina roots have received the Medal of Honor since its inception; and
Whereas, William A. McWhorter is one of these South Carolinians; and
Whereas, born in Liberty, South Carolina, Mr. McWhorter entered the service in Liberty, South Carolina, achieving the rank of Private First Class, United States Army, Company M, 126th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division and served with honor and distinction in the Philippines; and
Whereas, he received the Medal of Honor for disregarding his own well being and displaying exemplary courage while manning a machine gun when enemy troops launched a heavy attack on his position at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on December 5, 1944; and
Whereas, Pfc. McWhorter picked up a grenade that had been thrown by an advancing demolition squad and deliberately held it close to his body, bending over and turning away from his fellow soldier; and
Whereas, the charge exploded instantly killing Pfc. McWhorter, leaving his companion unharmed; and
Whereas, his outstanding heroism and supreme sacrifice in shielding a comrade reflect the highest traditions of the military service; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, would like to publicly recognize and honor Pfc. William A. McWhorter, in memory of this brave and courageous American, for his extraordinary heroism in the defense of our country and her ideals which epitomizes the very best of what America stands for. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly commend the extraordinary heroism of William A. McWhorter who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor, which is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces of the United States.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the family of Pfc. William A. McWhorter.
This web page was last updated on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 10:04 A.M.