Pickens County, SC (SCDVA) - Pickens County gathered on Tuesday afternoon to honor the sacrifices of the past, present, and future service members who call the county home.

A ceremony held at Liberty High School celebrated the legacy and valor of four local Medal of Honor Recipients and the school districts success in implementing programs to support its military students. Together, these two honors recognized past contributions while highlighting ongoing investments in the county's culture of service and sacrifice.

More than 100 people gathered to remember the four young men from Pickens Country who gave their lives to save others and were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions.

"These men are reflections of this community, their families, and the values that define Pickens County," said guest speaker, Colonel Robert Venton. "It is no coincidence that these heroes came from this part of South Carolina."

The district's Superintendent, Dr. Danny Merck pointed out that Pickens County has more Medal of Honor Recipients per capita than any other county in the United States. He credited this distinction to the local culture, noting that every resident should feel pride knowing those selfless and courageous young men called Pickens County home. Coupling this with their commitment to support military-students as a Purple Star District, the county is ensuring it will carry forward the culture of service laid out by those young men.

Who Were They? 

Private First Class William Alexander McWhorter served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Though incredibly young, he was the oldest in the group at the time of his death. PFC McWhorter died on December 5, 1944, just two days before what would have been his 26th birthday. His plaque reads, "In his final moments, he shielded his fellow soldiers from a deadly explosion, sacrificing himself in an act of extraordinary heroism." He was awarded the Medal of Honor in September of the following year.

Private Furman L. Smith also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Born in Six Mile, South Carolina on May 11, 1925, PVT Smith was killed in action at just 19 years old. He died on May 31, 1944, when his "fearless stand against overwhelming numbers saved his comrades." He was awarded the Medal of Honor on January 17, 1945.

Private First Class Charles Heyward Barker was born on April 12, 1935. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was killed on June 4, 1953. "Refusing to yield, he covered his unit's withdrawal, fighting with unflinching courage until the end." He is the youngest Medal of Honor Recipient from Pickens County at just 18 years old. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 27, 1954. PVT Barker's brother and niece proudly attended Tuesday's ceremony. 

Lance Corporal Hanes Donnie Howe was a U.S. Marine serving in the Vietnam War. Just 21 years old, LCpl Howe was killed in action on May 6, 1970. His plaque reads, "When danger threatened his comrades, he leapt into action, shielding them with his own body. His sacrifice saved lives and defined valor." He was awarded the Medal of Honor on September 9, 1971. LCpl Howe's relatives joined the community on Tuesday afternoon as well. 

Carrying the Culture Forward with Purple Star Schools

Following the presentation of colors and the national anthem, performed by local JROTC and high school students, the School District of Pickens County received its official Purple Star designation. Representatives from South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs (SCDVA), and the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) presented the designation and spoke on the importance of supporting the children of service members.

Military-connected students must overcome frequent moves, prolonged separations from family, and the stress of changing schools and friends. Purple Star designations mitigate these obstacles by laying out specific requirements, targeted training, and the implementation of specialized programs and resources. 

The School District of Pickens County rose to this challenge.

"Marrying the Purple Star Designation with the unveiling of these plaques honoring Medal of Honor recipients from this very school district is humbling to be a part of," said SCDVA Deputy Director of Military Affairs, Jason Fowler. "We appreciate the hard work from Superintendent Dr. Danny Merck, the school board, Mr. Jacob Nelson, and Ms. Melanie Ginn from the Pickens County Veterans Affairs Office for putting us all in the same room last year to start this process."

With the addition of the entire School District of Pickens County, there are now more than 600 individual Purple Star Schools in South Carolina, each strengthening the network of support and resources for military students.

From Local Heroes to Future Leaders

Tuesday's ceremony connected the past and present sacrifices made by service members and their families. Though the price of those sacrifices looks different from one Veteran, one service member, or one child to another, each is made in the name of uplifting and protecting others. 

Ultimately, the Medal of Honor presentations and the Purple Star designation work together to anchor the future in a legacy of service. By actively protecting and nurturing military-connected children, whether they call Pickens home for a lifetime or a single semester, the district is practicing the very principles of selflessness, courage, and honor that its local heroes lived until their last moments. In doing so, Pickens County ensures that the families of those who serve are always supported, and that the spirit of sacrifice is passed to the next generation.

The permanent plaques honoring PFC McWhorter, PVT Smith, PVT Barker, and LCpl Howe will be displayed across the district’s four high schools—D.W. Daniel, Easley, Liberty, and Pickens. By placing these reminders of past heroism in front of today's students, the community bridges its history with its present and future.