The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Armor) David L. Porter, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidence by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 23 January 1970 while serving as a pilot with the Aero Scout platoon, Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting a visual reconnaissance mission, Lieutenant Porter was notified of an enemy force erecting anti-aircraft positions in the dense jungle northeast of Loc Ninh. He volunteered to search the suspected area for enemy but found it difficult to see due to the triple canopy jungle below so he flew at tree top level and low air speed. As he began receiving intense ground fire, he marked the position with smoke and directed the rocket fire from gunships. After refueling and rearming his craft, he returned to the contact area to make an assessment of the damage and again came under intense anti-aircraft fire. After marking the positions from the gunships, the command and control helicopter assumed control of the contact while directing and adjusting artillery. Due to the heavy cover of smoke and dust it was necessary for Lieutenant Porter to hover over the area at tree top level relaying intelligence information to his gunship. He came under heavy enemy fusillade and returned the fire. First Lieutenant Porter’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Armor) David L. Porter, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 17 February 1970 while serving as a pilot with Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Lieutenant Porter was summoned to inspect an area of suspected enemy activity. He immediately spotted enemy positions and movement along trails. While maneuvering at tree top level he began to receive intense small arms fire. He called to his supporting helicopter had placed a deadly barrage upon the enemy, Lieutenant Porter flew back to the area where he observed enemy forces attempting to remove the equipment and bodies of other North Vietnamese soldiers. Again receiving intense fire, he retaliated with accurate suppressive fire and again summoned the aid of a helicopter gunship and artillery. Upon completion of the artillery bombardment Lieutenant Porter flew to the area to make an assessment of the damage. Finding an enemy base camp he flew back to refuel and rearm as artillery and air strikes were adjusted upon the position. Returning to the area Lieutenant Porter made a reconnaissance of the area to inspect the damage incurred by the enemy. Upon following a trail toward the Cambodian border he was taken under fire from a concealed enemy force. He commenced fire while his observer marked the location for the approaching gunship. After dispersing a heavy amount of suppressive fire Lieutenant Porter made a low pass in order to make a visual check of the area, he again was taken under ground to air fire. Again artillery and air strikes were called in upon his marks. The Commanding Officer directed him to be relieved due to the great amount of enemy fire he was exposed to. First Lieutenant Porter’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Armor) David L. Porter, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty on 26 December 1969 while serving as a pilot with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Lieutenant Porter was flying a reconnaissance mission near the Cambodian border when he suddenly received a heavy barrage of ground fire from an enemy force. Lieutenant Porter marked the position with smoke for approaching gunships. After the gunships had fired upon the enemy he returned to assess the damage and was fired upon again. Although at a minimum distance from exploding bombs from a tactical air strike, he remained at a low altitude observing and inspecting the hostile forces. Drawing fire throughout the day, his aircraft was disabled and forced to make an emergency landing. He immediately boarded another craft and returned to the contact area. First Lieutenant Porter’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.