THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from those who served with you are touching and reflect their admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Never forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

We thank you for your service and sacrifice. You are remembered, not forgotten because we utter your name with respect to honor you.
Heart of Texas Veterans Memorial.

Dear Lcpl James McWhorter, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. I researched you on your 51st anniversary, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was the anniversary of the terror attacks. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

James Elmer McWhorter

Navy Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lance Corporal
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal James Elmer McWhorter (MCSN: 2492266), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 22 August 1969, the Third Platoon of Company L was conducting a patrol in the northern sector of I Corps Tactical Zone. As the Marines proceeded toward their objective, they came under a heavy volume of small-arms and automatic-weapons fire from a large enemy force occupying a well-concealed bunker complex. Although painfully wounded during the initial moments of the fire fight, Lance Corporal McWhorter resolutely refused medical attention and skillfully deployed his squad into a more tactically advantageous location. Moving throughout the fire-swept terrain, he shouted instructions and encouraged his men as he ably directed their fire, enabling the more seriously-wounded Marines to be evacuated to a position of relative safety. When he observed three of his wounded companions lying dangerously exposed to the intense hostile fire, Lance Corporal McWhorter rushed across the hazardous area to the casualties. After evacuating two of the wounded Marines to a covered position, he attempted to rescue the third casualty but was mortally wounded by a burst of hostile rifle fire. His heroic and timely actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his fellowman inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several Marines. By his courage, determination and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal McWhorter contributed significantly to the subsequent defeat of the hostile force and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.