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The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private Ernest Washington Porter (MCSN: 85271), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 23d Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Thiaucourt, France, 15 September 1918. While taking cover with the remainder of his gun crew from a heavy artillery barrage, Private Porter answered a call for volunteers to combat an enemy aeroplane. Upon reaching his gun he was instantly killed by an aerial bomb.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    6th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 15, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 37 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Ernest Washington Porter (MCSN: 85271), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Twenty-Third Company, Sixth Machine-Gun Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Thiaucourt, France, 15 September 1918. While taking cover with the remainder of his gun crew from a heavy artillery barrage, Private Porter answered a call for volunteers to combat an enemy aeroplane. Upon reaching his gun he was instantly killed by an aerial bomb.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    6th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12 – 16, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Ernest Washington Porter (MCSN: 85271), United States Marine Corps, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private Porter distinguished himself while serving with the 23d Company, 6th Machine-Gun Battalion, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at St. Mihiel, France, 12 – 16 September 1918.