WWII Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as a Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company L, 128th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division. On March 31, 1945, at the Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands, he was in position with his unit on a hill when the enemy, after a concentration of artillery fire, launched a counterattack. He maintained his position under intense enemy fire and urged his comrades to withdraw, while he stayed to provide cover. Although he had halted one enemy charge, hostile troops then began moving in on his left flank, and he quickly shifted his gun to fire on them. Knowing that the enemy was cutting off the only route of escape, he ordered the remainder of his squad to withdraw to safety and deliberately remained at his post. He continued to fire until he was killed during the ensuing enemy charge. Later, 4 Japanese were found dead in front of his position. PFC William R. Shockley was awarded his Medal of Honor posthumously and it was accredited to the state of California.
WWII Medal of Honor Recipient. Served as a Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company L, 128th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division. On March 31, 1945, at the Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands, he was in position with his unit on a hill when the enemy, after a concentration of artillery fire, launched a counterattack. He maintained his position under intense enemy fire and urged his comrades to withdraw, while he stayed to provide cover. Although he had halted one enemy charge, hostile troops then began moving in on his left flank, and he quickly shifted his gun to fire on them. Knowing that the enemy was cutting off the only route of escape, he ordered the remainder of his squad to withdraw to safety and deliberately remained at his post. He continued to fire until he was killed during the ensuing enemy charge. Later, 4 Japanese were found dead in front of his position. PFC William R. Shockley was awarded his Medal of Honor posthumously and it was accredited to the state of California.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
CONGRESSSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR
PFC US ARMY WWII
CO L 128TH INFANTRY 32ND INFANTRY DIV
Family Members
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