Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Philippine Insurrection - U.S. Marine Corps

David Dixon Porter

Details
  • Rank: Captain (Rank at time of presentation: Colonel) (Highest Rank: Major General)
  • Conflict/Era: Philippine Insurrection
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: November 17, 1901
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Cadacan & Sohoton rivers junction, Samar, Philippine Islands
Citation

For extraordinary heroism and eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle at the junction of the Cadacan and Sohoton Rivers, Samar, Philippine Islands, 17 November 1901. In command of the columns upon their uniting ashore in the Sohoton Region, Col. Porter (then Capt.) made a surprise attack on the fortified cliffs and completely routed the enemy, killing 30 and capturing and destroying the powder magazine, 40 lantacas (guns), rice, food and cuartels. Due to his courage, intelligence, discrimination, and zeal, he successfully led his men up the cliffs by means of bamboo ladders to a height of 200 feet. The cliffs were of soft stone of volcanic origin, in the nature of pumice, and were honeycombed with caves. Tons of rocks were suspended in platforms held in position by vine cables (known as bejuco) in readiness to be precipitated upon people below. After driving the insurgents from their position, which was almost impregnable, being covered with numerous trails lined with poison spears, pits, etc., Col. Porter led his men across the river, scaled the cliffs on the opposite side, and destroyed the camps there. He and the men under his command overcame incredible difficulties and dangers in destroying positions which, according to reports from old prisoners, had taken three years to perfect, were held as a final rallying post, and had never before been penetrated by white troops. Col. Porter also rendered distinguished public service in the presence of the enemy at Quinapundan River, Samar, Philippine Islands, 26 October 1901.

Medal of Honor Recipient David D. Porter
Medal of Honor Recipient David D. Porter
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Washington, District of Columbia
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: April 25, 1934

    Presented by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt

  • Born: April 29, 1877, Washington, DC
  • Died: February 25, 1944, Philadelphia, PA, United States
  • Buried: Arlington National Cemetery (MH) (2-3479), Arlington, VA, United States
  • Location of Medal: National Museum of the US Marine Corps, Quantico, VA
 

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