Donn Fortheringham "Pinky" Porter
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

Donn Fortheringham Porter was born on 1 March 1931 at Sewickley, PA. He graduated from Saint James School in Maryland with the class of 1949. Porter was a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on 7 September 1952.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company G, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division

Place and date: Near Mundung-ni, Korea, 7 September 1952

Entered service at: Baltimore, MD

G.O. No.: 64, 18 August 1953

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, 2 hostile platoons attacked a combat outpost commanded by Sgt. Porter, destroyed communications, and killed 2 of his 3-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 6 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.

Other Medals

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Porter was awarded the Purple Heart.

Death and Burial

Sergeant Donn F. Porter was killed in action on 7 September 1952. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. His grave can be found in Section 33, Lot 4357.