THE WALL OF FACES

I'm Gary's youngest brother, one of five. To me he was my hero, and on this Memorial Day, can't help to remember and reflect on him, and all of those who served and were lost during that awful time. Brothers George (Gary's twin), also a Marine, Ric, Tim and I are still close and see each often. We will never forget Gary. May God bless you all.

On June 20, 1967, a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter CH-46A (tail number 150936), YT-15, from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164 (HMM 164), was part of an eight-ship troop lift when it suffered an apparent power loss and went into the sea as it lifted off the USS Tripoli (LPH-10). Two crewmen were rescued and two were lost at sea. The lost crewmen were pilot CPT Gary T. Porter and crew chief LCPL Leslie E. Engelhart. Their bodies were recovered. It was later reported by a HMM-164 pilot and squadron mate of Porter and Englehart that the previous day the same aircraft (#150936) experienced a similar power loss on one engine shortly after takeoff from the Tripoli, but was skillfully recovered very close to the surface of the water and slowly gained altitude as power was recovered. This event occurred after a successful hover check prior to flying off the deck. The aircraft was downed until maintenance could check it out. [Taken from popasmoke.com and Command Chronology (HMM-164), June 1, 1967]

Gary,

It was an honor to have served with you in HMM-164 in 1967. May you rest in peace.

Semper Fi Captain.

Dear Captain Gary Thurston Porter, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for the ultimate sacrifice that you made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. And please know that men and women like you have stepped forward to defend our country yet again, showing the same love for country and their fellow Americans that you did- you would be proud.

With respect, and the best salute that a civilian can muster for you.

Curt Carter (son of Sgt Ardon William Carter, 101st Airborne)