Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant William David Port, United States Army, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against a hostile armed force while serving with the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy in South Vietnam in 1968. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    5th Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    January 12, 1968

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 48 (September 8, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Sergeant William David Port, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Heip Duc Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 January 1968. Sergeant Port distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman with Company C, which was conducting combat operations against an enemy force in the Que Son Valley. As Sergeant Port’s platoon was moving to cut off a reported movement of enemy soldiers, the platoon came under heavy fire from an entrenched enemy force. The platoon was forced to withdraw due to the intensity and ferocity of the fire. Although wounded in the hand as the withdrawal began, Sergeant Port, with complete disregard for his safety, ran through the heavy fire to assist a wounded comrade back to the safety of the platoon perimeter. As the enemy forces assaulted in the perimeter, Sergeant Port and three comrades were in position behind an embankment when an enemy grenade landed in their midst. Sergeant Port, realizing the danger to his fellow soldiers, shouted the warning, “Grenade,” and unhesitatingly hurled himself towards the grenade to shield his comrades from the explosion. Through his exemplary courage and devotion he saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and gave the members of his platoon the inspiration needed to hold their position. Sergeant Port’s selfless concern for his comrades, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    January 12, 1968 – November 27, 1968

    Sergeant William David Port, United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from January 12, 1968 until his death in captivity on or about November 27, 1968.