The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*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. Birth:
Bokoshe, Okla. 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.
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