THE WALL OF FACES

When I see your face on either MHS website or a Vietnam Memorial web site, it gets all blurry. Why is that? Christ Dave you were only twenty! I'm 76 and I still have rears rolling down my cheeks.

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospitalman David Edward Porterfield, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 18 July 1966 in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Corpsman with Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, during Operation HASTINGS. When two platoons of Company K were subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons, small arms, and mortar fire, resulting in the infliction of several casualties to members of the first squad of the first platoon, Hospitalman Porterfield, braving the heavy fire, left his position of relative safety to administer first aid to the wounded Marines. While tending the Marine casualties, he himself was mortally wounded but continued to render medical assistance to others until he succumbed to his own wounds. Through his gallant efforts, he succeeded in alleviating the suffering of the wounded and undoubtedly saved several lives. Hospitalman Porterfield's courageous and selfless devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/305738

Thanks Doc for patching me up when I stepped in that trap outside Phu Bai June 1966.The Corps wouldn't be what it is today without the Navy Corpsman.God Bless You and God keep you in his living arms forever.Semper Fi

Dear HN David Porterfield, Thank you for your service as a Hospitalman with the 4th Marines, Semper Fi. Thank you for the lives you saved. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was 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.

On the remembrance of your 75th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

"Greater love hath no man, than that man lay down his life for a friend."

Semper Fi, Doc...you did good