Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously (presented to his father) from US Undersecretary of the Army Earl D, Johnson at the Pentagon, Washington DC, on August 5, 1953, for his actions as a sergeant with Company G, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, US Army, on September 7, 1952, near Mundung-ni, Korea. After graduating from high school in 1949, he joined the US Army in 1951. He was originally trained as a airborne ranger but volunteered for combat duty and was sent to Korea. On that day, when two of his 3-man outpost were killed, he fought and killed 15 enemy soldiers and routed the rest. With fixed bayonet he repulsed a second attack, killing six more but was killed by enemy artillery fire while holding his position. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "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."