Sergeant Donn F. Porter, a soldier in the U.S. Army, was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for gallantry on September 7, 1952 near Mundung-ni, Korea during the Korean War. At the time he was serving with Company G, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Porter was 21 years old.
Porter was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded. The medal was presented on August 5, 1953 — the Pentagon (Auditorium), presented by Under Sec. of the Army Earl D. Johnson to his Father.
Porter was born on March 1, 1931 in Sewickley, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is credited to Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His medal is held by St. James School (duplicate Medal), St. James, MD.
Porter is one of 153 Medal of Honor recipients from the Korean War and one of 85 credited to Maryland.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Sgt. Porter, a member of Company G, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Advancing under cover of intense mortar and artillery fire, two hostile platoons attacked a combat outpost commanded by Sgt. Porter, destroyed communications, and killed two of his three-man crew. Gallantly maintaining his position, he poured deadly accurate fire into the ranks of the enemy, killing 15 and dispersing the remainder. After falling back under a hail of fire, the determined foe reorganized and stormed forward in an attempt to overrun the outpost. Without hesitation, Sgt. Porter jumped from his position with bayonet fixed and, meeting the onslaught and in close combat, killed six hostile soldiers and routed the attack. While returning to the outpost, he was killed by an artillery burst, but his courageous actions forced the enemy to break off the engagement and thwarted a surprise attack on the main line of resistance. Sgt. Porter's incredible display of valor, gallant self- sacrifice, and consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (September 7, 1952).
- Age at death: 21
- Resting place: Arlington National Cemetery
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Donn F. Porter received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Korean War.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Maryland →
Timeline
- March 1, 1931Born in Sewickley, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
- September 7, 1952Act of valor — near Mundung-ni, KoreaAge 21. Company G, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division Killed in action.
- August 5, 1953Medal of Honor presented posthumouslyThe Pentagon (Auditorium), presented by Under Sec. of the Army Earl D. Johnson to his Father
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
Donn Fotheringham Porter (March 1, 1931 – September 7, 1952) was a soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions on September 7, 1952. Porter joined the Army from Baltimore, Maryland in 1951, and originally trained as an airborne ranger. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia. His grave can be found in Section 33, Lot 4357.
From the Wikipedia article “Donn F. Porter”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
