Pickens County Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial
Private Charles H. Barker, United States Army
April 12, 1935-June 4, 1953
of
Six Mile
Company K, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division
Killed in Action at Sokkogae, Korea, June 4 1953
Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor Posthumously
October 27, 1954
He distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While participating in a combat patrol engaged in screening an approach to "Pork-Chop Outpost," Private Barker and his companions surprised and engaged an enemy group digging emplacements on the slope. Totally unprepared, the hostile troops sought cover. After ordering Private First Class Barker and a comrade to lay down a base of fire, the patrol leader maneuvered the remainder of the platoon to a vantage point on higher ground. Private First Class Barker moved to an open area firing his rifle and hurling grenades on the hostile positions. As enemy action increased in volume and intensity, mortar bursts fell on friendly positions, ammunition was in critical supply, and the platoon was ordered to withdraw into a perimeter defense preparatory to moving back to the outpost. Voluntarily electing to cover the retrograde movement, he gallantly maintained a defense and was last seen in close hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. Private Barker's unflinching courage, consummate devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice enabled the patrol to complete the mission and effect an orderly withdrawal to friendly lines, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the military service.
Lance Corporal James D. Howe, United States Marine Corps
December 17, 1948-May 6, 1970
of
Liberty
Company I, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Killed in Action at Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, May 6, 1970
Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor Posthumously
September 9, 1971
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company I, during operations against enemy forces. In the early morning hours Lance Corporal Howe and two other marines were occupying a defensive position in a sandy beach area fronted by bamboo thickets. Enemy sappers suddenly launched a grenade attack against the position, utilizing the cover of darkness to carry out their assault. Following the initial explosions of the grenades, Lance Corporal Howe and his two comrades moved to a more advantageous position in order to return suppressive fire. When an enemy grenade landed in their midst, Lance Corporal Howe immediately shouted a warning and then threw himself upon the deadly missile, thereby protecting the lives of the fellow marines. His heroic and selfless action was in keeping with the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service. He valiantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Private First Class William A. McWhorter, United States Army
December 7, 1918-December 5, 1944
of
Liberty
Company M, 126th Infantry, 32nd Infantry Division
Killed in Action at Leyte, Philippine Islands, December 5, 1944
Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor Posthumously October 27, 1945
He displayed gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in operations against the enemy. Private First Class McWhorter, a machine gunner, was emplaced in a defensive position with one assistant when the enemy launched a heavy attack. Manning the gun and opening fire, he killed several members of an advancing demolition squad, when one of the enemy succeeded in throwing a fused demolition charge in the entrenchment. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class McWhorter picked up the improvised grenade and deliberately held it close to his body, bending over and turning away from his companion. The charge exploded, killing him instantly, but leaving his assistant unharmed. Private First Class McWhorter's outstanding heroism and supreme sacrifice in shielding a comrade reflect the highest traditions of the military service.
Private Furman L. Smith, United States Army
January 24, 1925-May 31, 1944
of
Six Mile
Company L, 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division
Killed in Action at Lanuvio, Italy, May 31, 1944
Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor Posthumously
January 17, 1945
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. In its attack on a strong point, an infantry company was held up by intense enemy fire. The group to which Pvt. Smith belonged was far in the lead when attacked by a force of 80 Germans. The squad leader and one other man were seriously wounded and other members of the group withdrew to the company position, but Private Smith refused to leave his wounded comrades. He placed them in the shelter of shell craters and then alone faced a strong enemy counterattack, temporarily checking it by his accurate rifle fire at close range, killing and wounding many of the foe. Against overwhelming odds, he stood his ground until shot down and killed, rifle in hand.
Marker can be reached from Pendleton Street 0.1 miles from West Main Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
