William Edward Pritchett Jr.

These awards are based on the information below and per applicable DoD Directives and Awards Manuals:
Purple Heart Awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Forces, after April 5, 1917, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may hereafter die of wounds received in action against an enemy of the United States.
 Important Note: After December 7, 1941, the Purple Heart is awarded to any service member who is killed or dies while in captivity as a prisoner of war under circumstances establishing eligibility for the POW medal, unless compelling evidence is presented that shows that the member's death was not the result of enemy action. In the case of PVT Pritchett, death was a clear and direct result of enemy action and should have been investigated as a Geneva Convention War Crime.
Prisoner of War Medal Authorized for issue to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, was taken prisoner and held captive after April 5, 1917.
American Campaign Service Medal Awarded for military service within the American Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Awarded for military service for service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater between December 7, 1941 and November 8, 1945.
World War II Victory Medal Awarded for military service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946, both dates inclusive.

Documents, Forms and Resources Found:
No  Alabama Newspaper Obit, Notice, or Report
Yes Application For Headstone or Marker, OQMG Form 623 (Signed by William Edward Pritchett Sr.)
Yes Eyewitness Report, Farmer in Wereth, Belgium
Yes Grave Marker Photos, Find A Grave
Yes National Archives Database, Enlistment Records
Yes Photo of veteran, Find A Grave
Yes WWII Draft Card Data

WWII Draft Card Data
Name: William Edward Pritchett
Race: Black  -  Age: 20  -  Relationship to Draftee: Self
Birth Date: March 3, 1922  -  Birth Place: Camden, Wilcox County, Alabama
Residence Place: Camden, Wilcox County, Alabama
Registration Date: June 30, 1944  -  Registration Place: Camden, Wilcox County
Employer: Matchett Hdw Co
Weight: 149  -  Complexion: Black
Eye Color: Brown  -  Hair Color: Black  -  Height: 5' 9"
Next of Kin: William Edward Pritchett Sr., Father
Members of Household: William Edward Pritchett Jr., Self

Note 1: The death location, "The hamlet of Wereth, Belgium" is based on the following documented events:

A patrol of four soldiers from a German SS Division brutally tortured and murdered eleven unarmed African-American POWs during the Battle of the Bulge. This horrific event occurred in the hamlet of Wereth, Belgium and has become known as the Wereth 11 Massacre. Details found at U.S. Memorial WERETH.

The eleven Soldiers were:

Staff Sergeant Thomas J. Forte, Jackson, Mississippi
 Private William E. Pritchett, Wilcox County, Alabama
Technician Fourth Grade James A. Stewart, Piedmont, West Virginia
Corporal Mager Bradley, Bolivar County, Mississippi
Private First Class George Davis, Jefferson County, Alabama
Private First Class James L. Leatherwood, Pontotoc, Mississippi
Private First Class George W. Moten, Hopkins County, Texas
Private First Class Due W. Turner, Emerson, Arkansas
Private Curtis Adams, (medic), South Carolina
Technician Fifth Grade Robert L. Green, Upson County, Georgia and
Private Nathaniel Moss, Longview, Texas

Anyone with other related details is welcomed and encouraged to submit an email to: ww2updates@withmilitaryhonors.com.

The following information on this casualty is sourced from The National Archives Database:
 Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946 (Enlistment Records) - See Note 2

 Do you have comments, questions, corrections or updates about PVT William E. Pritchett Jr.? With Military Honors would like to hear from you. To submit a picture, leave a comment or add any relevant military or family information to honor this veteran, send an email to nick@withmilitaryhonors.com.
 Your information will be reviewed and posted as soon as it can be processed. All emails will be answered.