Rash's Surname Index
Notes for David Dixon PORTER
Philippine Insurrection Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He was the son of Lt. Col. Carlile Patterson Porter and the grandson of Admiral David Dixon Porter, the sixth of a military family. As a Captain, he earned the Medal of Honor in the Philippines 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. Tons of rocks were suspended in platforms held in position by vines and cables 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 poisoned 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 3 years to perfect, were held as a final rallying post, and were never before penetrated by white troops. He died at home in Pennsylvania, on February 25, 1944 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, not far from his famous grandfather.
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