William H. Thomas-Manila, Philippines
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Don.Morfe
N 14° 32.406 E 121° 03.114
51P E 290088 N 1608356
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action at Zambales Mountains Luzon, Philippines Islands on April 22, 1945. He was KIA. He is buried in Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines in Plot F, Row 16, Grave 90.
Waymark Code: WM1170Q
Location: Philippines
Date Posted: 08/28/2019
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member NW_history_buff
Views: 4

He was born on January 13, 1923 in Wynne, AR and he was killed in action on April 22, 1945. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: WILLIAM H. THOMAS
Rank: Private First Class
Organization: U.S. Army
Company:
Division: 149th Infantry, 38th Infantry Division
Born: Wynne, Ark.
Departed: Yes
Entered Service At: Ypsilanti, Mich.
G.O. Number: 81
Date of Issue: 09/24/1945
Accredited To:
Place / Date: Zambales Mountains Luzon, Philippine Islands, 22 April 1945

Citation
He was a member of the leading squad of Company B, which was attacking along a narrow, wooded ridge. The enemy strongly entrenched in camouflaged emplacements on the hill beyond directed heavy fire and hurled explosive charges on the attacking riflemen. Pfc. Thomas, an automatic rifleman, was struck by 1 of these charges, which blew off both his legs below the knees. He refused medical aid and evacuation, and continued to fire at the enemy until his weapon was put out of action by an enemy bullet. Still refusing aid, he threw his last 2 grenades. He destroyed 3 of the enemy after suffering the wounds from which he died later that day. The effective fire of Pfc. Thomas prevented the repulse of his platoon and assured the capture of the hostile position. His magnificent courage and heroic devotion to duty provided a lasting inspiration for his comrades.

Photo by wacko dacko and posted on findagrave.com.

*SPECIAL EXCEPTION WAYMARK* This category made the decision to approve this waymark based on the research and partnerships between the submitter, Don.Morfe, and individuals who gave permission for their photos of Medal of Honor resting places to be used in this community. Although the vision and philosophy of the Waymarking body is to promote in-person visits and photo documentation, special circumstances can be made on a case-by-case basis such as this submission. We appreciate the fact that Don.Morfe spent over 20 years visiting more than 2,900 Medal of Honor resting places and has documented them in this category with personal photos the past 18 months. He recently took it upon himself to document many more Medal of Honor resting places around the world that he could not visit in person. He reached out to individuals on FindaGrave.com and elsewhere and received permission to use their photos, created write-ups and submitted them here for approval. A compromise was made to allow his submissions here in order to gain a sense of appreciation to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Thank you, Don, for your tireless efforts and contributions to this category and to the Waymarking community!

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.

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