US Marine Corps Major General, Philippine Insurrection Medal of Honor Recipient. He was issued the award on November 17, 1901 for his actions as a captain in the US Marine Corps while engaging the enemy at the junction of the Cadacan and Sohoton Rivers, Samar, Philippines. He came from a prominent US military family, with his father being a US Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, his parental grandfather Admiral David Dixon Porter of American Civil War fame, and his paternal great-grandfather, US Navy Commodore David Porter. He joined the US Marine Corps in 1898 and retired as a colonel in 1937 and was elevated to the rank of major general on the retired list His other military awards include the Marine Corps Brevet Medal, the Philippine Campaign Medal, and the World War I Victory Medal. He died at the age of 66. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "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 Iantacas (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."