David Dixon Porter (Medal of Honor)

Major General David Dixon Porter (April 29, 1877 – February 25, 1944), a Medal of Honor recipient, was a United States Marine Corps officer who served in the Philippine–American War and in World War I.

For the United States Navy Commodore in the Pacific, see David Porter (naval officer). For the American Civil War Naval officer, see David Dixon Porter.
David D. Porter
David Porter in his uniform
Born(1877-04-29)April 29, 1877
Washington, D.C.
DiedFebruary 25, 1944(1944-02-25) (aged 66)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Place of burial
Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service1898–1937
Rank Major general
Battles/warsPhilippine–American War
World War I
AwardsMedal of Honor
Marine Corps Brevet Medal

Biography

He was the son of Lieutenant Colonel Carlile Patterson Porter (1846–1914), USMC, grandson of Admiral David Dixon Porter (1813–1891), and great-grandson of Commodore David Porter (1780–1843).

Captain Porter received the Medal of Honor during the Philippine–American War for efforts in battle at the junction of the Cadacan and Sohoton Rivers, Samar on November 17, 1901. He was also one of the officers who participated in Waller's march across Samar.

Porter retired from the Marine Corps after World War I and was promoted to major general on the retired list.

He was one of only three individuals to be awarded both the Medal of Honor and the Brevet Medal.

He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Virginia.[1]

Awards

Medal of Honor citation

For extraordinary heroism and eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle at the junction of the Cadacan and Sohoton Rivers, Samar, P. I., November 17, 1901.

Citation:

In command of the columns upon their uniting ashore in the Sohoton Region, Col. Porter (then Capt.) made a surprise attack on the fortified cliffs and completely routed the enemy, killing 30 and capturing and destroying the powder magazine, 40 lantacas (guns), rice, food and cuartels. Due to his courage, intelligence, discrimination and zeal, he successfully led his men up the cliffs by means of bamboo ladders to a height of 200 feet. The cliffs were of soft stone of volcanic origin, in the nature of pumice and were honeycombed with caves. Tons of rocks were suspended in platforms held in position by vines and cables (known as bejuco) in readiness to be precipitated upon people below. After driving the insurgents from their position which was almost impregnable, being covered with numerous trails lined with poisoned spears, pits, etc., Col. Porter led his men across the river, scaled the cliffs on the opposite side, and destroyed the camps there. He and the men under his command overcame incredible difficulties and dangers in destroying positions which, according to reports from old prisoners, had taken 3 years to perfect, were held as a final rallying post, and were never before penetrated by white troops. Col. Porter also rendered distinguished public service in the presence of the enemy at Quinapundan River, Samar, Philippine Islands, on 26 October 1901.[2]

Marine Corps Brevet Medal citation

Citation

The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure in transmitting to First Lieutenant David Dixon Porter, United States Marine Corps, the Brevet Medal which is awarded in accordance with Marine Corps Order No. 26 (1921), for distinguished conduct and public service in the presence of the enemy while serving with the Second Battalion of Marines, at Novaleta, Philippine Islands, on 8 October 1899. On 28 March 1901, First Lieutenant Porter is appointed Captain, by brevet, to rank from 8 October 1899.[3]

See also

References
 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
General
  • John E. Lelle SgtMaj. USMC (Ret) (1988). The Brevet Medal. Quest Publishing Co. ISBN 0-915779-02-1.
  • "Marine Corps Officers: 1798 to 1900". Naval Historical Center. April 6, 2006. Archived from the original on May 27, 2009. Retrieved November 4, 2007.
  • Edward S. Haynes (May 1972). "The United States Marine Corps Brevet Medal and Its Recipients". The Collector. 23 (5).
  • "Col David D. Porter, Medal of Honor, 1901, Sohoton Rivers (Medal of Honor citation)". Marines Awarded the Medal of Honor. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on February 22, 2007.
  • "David D. Porter, Medal of Honor recipient". Who's who in Marine Corps history. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved November 24, 2007.
Specific
  1. "Burial Detail: Porter, David D. (Section 2, Grave 3479-WS)". ANC Explorer. Arlington National Cemetery. (Official website).
  2. "Col David D. Porter, Medal of Honor, 1901, Sohoton Rivers (Medal of Honor citation)". Marines Awarded the Medal of Honor. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on February 22, 2007.
  3. "David Dixon Porter". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved March 17, 2010.
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