THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to duty. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Cap. Charles Porterfield, Thank you for your service as a VMA Pilot. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is the 77th anniversary of D-Day, Operation Overlord. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

We were midshipmen together at Northwestern University. As seniors I worked for you as a Company Commander you were our Battalion Commander. You were #1 then and will always be #1 in my heart as a patriot, officer, and leader. You have a brick in the Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the NMMC Triangle, Va in your honor.

Charles Wilbur Porterfield

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Captain
Division: 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Charles Wilbur Porterfield (MCSN: 0-82117), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Attack Squadron THREE HUYNDRED ELEVEN (VMA-311), Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing. On 24 March 1968, Captain Porterfield was assigned as Section Leader of a flight of two A-4 Skyhawk aircraft. Upon being informed that his aircraft was loaded with the maximum amount of ordnance, he commenced maneuvering the Skyhawk along a runway at the Chu Lai Airfield. Proceeding toward this lift-off point, he alertly observed numerous attack and transport aircraft at the end of the runway. Attempting to become airborne, his Skyhawk malfunctioned and failed to respond properly to the controls. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he unhesitatingly elected to remain with his aircraft and maneuver it past the personnel surrounding the attack and transport aircraft. After successfully passing the Marines, he rapidly ejected from his aircraft as it entered the unimproved terrain at the end of the runway. Suddenly, the Skyhawk's ordnance exploded, killing him instantly. By his courage, superior professionalism and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Porterfield upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Chuck was the greatest roommate that a struggling undergrad could have. He came to our wedding on August 26, 1961. He was in uniform. People attending the ceremony were very impressed. My wife and I were do thankful that he was there for our "big day".