366th Infantry

William E. Porter

William E. Porter enlisted in the Army in 1936 and served his basic training in Fort Huachuca, AZ. He served in the Northern Africa theatre during the first years of WWII, later serving with the 92^nd Infantry, 366^th Regiment, Company B in Italy. He earned a battlefield commission to 1^st Lieutenant during WWII. He was known to some in the 366^th, as "Wild Bill".

Bill Porter was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star during WWII, and a second Purple Heart and Silver Star during the Korean War; where he served as commanding officer (Captain) to Julius Becton who retired as a decorated 3 Star General from the U.S. Army. Porter retired from active duty as a Major in May 1958, finishing his career as an ROTC and military police instructor in Kansas City, MO and Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa.

Following is the citation (re-typed) that he received when awarded the Silver Star in Italy. Click the photo to see Gen. Almond's signature in the lower-right corner.

( Text and photos for this page provided by Denyce Porter Peyton )

HEADQUARTERS 92D INFANTRY DIVISION

DMA/saj
Ag 200.6-G A.P.O. 92, U.S. Army
9 January 1945
Subject: Award of Silver Star
To: First Lieutenant WILLIAM E. PORTER, 0291325, Infantry,
Company B, 366^th Infantry Regiment,
A.P.O. 464, U.S. Army

By authority contained in Circular Number 89, Headquarters Mediterranean Theater of Operations, 10 July 1944, you are awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action.

CITATION

"WILLIAM E. PORTER, 01291325, First Lieutenant, Infantry, 366^th Infantry Regiment. For gallantry in action, on 5 December 1944, in Italy. First Lieutenant PORTER's platoon was vigorously attacking a strong enemy position. When heavy enemy automatic weapons fire pinned down the platoon First Lieutenant PORTER, alone, advanced on an enemy machine gun nest killed the German officer in charge, and forced the remaining enemy to surrender, thus facilitating the advance of his company. Later in the day, after the platoon had been completely surrounded by superior enemy forces, he constantly exposed himself to hostile fire in moving back and forth between platoon positions, maintaining contact, directing fire, encouraging his men, and leading them in fighting their way out of the enemy trap. His aggressive leadership was an inspiration to the officers and men of his organization. Entered military service from Lima, Ohio.

E.M. ALMOND,
Major General, U.S. Army
COMMANDING.

Thanks for visiting the 366^th Infantry Regiment Pages

Click the banner to make a link on your pages!

Last update: 1999-09-24 by WebMaster@366th.org