William R. Shockley-Selma, CA - Medal Of Honor Resting Places on Waymarking.com

He was born on December 4, 1918 in Bokoshe, OK and died on March 31, 1945 in the Philippine Islands. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *SHOCKLEY, WILLIAM R.
• Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company L, 128th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division
• Place and date: Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 31 March 1945
• Entered service at: Selma, Calif.
• G.O. No.: 89, 19 October 1945
Citation: 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, saying that he would "remain to the end" to provide cover. Although he had to clear two stoppages which impeded the reloading of his weapon, he 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 only route of escape was being cut off by the enemy, 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. Shockley, facing certain death, sacrificed himself to save his fellow soldiers, but the heroism and gallantry displayed by him enabled his squad to reorganize and continue its attack.

Armed Service: Army

Visit Instructions:
To properly log your find, post a photograph of the medal recipient's grave marker. Do not place anything on the grave when taking the photo. If you have more information about the recipient please include it in your log.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   12/19/2021 Don.Morfe visited it