The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Transportation Corps), [then First Lieutenant] Waldon R. Porterfield (ASN: 0-1575079), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on the night of 14 April 1944 in the India-Burma Theater of Operations, while in command of the 3509th Quartermaster Truck Company. When a violent explosion in a ship blew up the port of Bombay, Colonel Porterfield without hesitation, swiftly and effectively organized his company, bravely led his men to the blazing disaster area, and conducted hazardous salvage and rescue operations. Despite the impending holocaust and wholesale destruction of property, he proceeded to remove tons of ammunition and high explosives from the threatened warehouses on the docks. With complete disregard for his own personal safety and with imminent risk to his own life, he successfully brought order out of the chaos and contributed greatly to saving lives and material. Colonel Porterfield’s quick and heroic action represents exemplary conduct in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army and reflects the utmost credit on himself in the military service.