Sgt. Raymond Porter, 81st Combat Engineers

[jamesgaspero]

My name is Jim Gaspero. I have finally started researching my family history during World War II, specifically my grandfather and his older brother. My grandfather was part of the 1905th in the CBI campaign. His name was Robert E. Porter from Pennsylvania. He never spoke of the war or his older brother to me and he passed away in 1998. His brother was Sgt. Raymond E. Porter, Service # 33588979 from Pennsylvania. He was part of the 81st Combat Engineers, 106th Infantry Division. I have found newspaper articles from the local paper from 1944 and 1945. According to the paper he was listed as MIA on December 21, 1944. An article from March of 1945 indicates there was a newer report of his being a POW. According to other records I have found online he is listed as having died December 24, 1944 with an indication of FOD (which I believe stands for Finding of Death). I also know he received a Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster. I just thought I'd take a chance that someone would still be out there that would know a little bit more of his story. I also plan on uploading photos shortly. Thank you.

[connie]

Jim,

I hope someone will turn up who knew your Great Uncle.

Until then I can offer a few details. If you haven't yet checked out the 106th Roster ( a work in progress) on the Indiana Military Site, you should. Your Great Uncle's name is there -- complete with rank, unit, serial number, and the fact that he earned a purple heart. The source is listed as ABMC ( the American Battle Monuments Commission). He was listed as KIA 12/24/44.

A caution on dates listed for KIA. They can be after the actual date of death if body recovery was not possible at the time of death. In such a case they are based on the time of recovery and confirmation of death.

The roster listing can be found at: www.indianamilitary.org/106ID/Rosters/RosterZOHO.htm

He is buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery in Neupre, Belgium. There is an American Battle Monuments page in tribute to him. I find that copying the link at the top of that page does not work to connect you directly to the page. So I'll give you the search page:
www.abmc.gov/search/wwii.php
For some reason, typing in the whole name on this search page sometimes gives me problems. If you simply type in Porter, and click to search, you will receive a list of names to scroll down. When you find Sgt. Raymond E. you can click again and a full page will appear.

This site lists him as having received both the purple heart and the oak leaf cluster. This indicates to me that he was probably wounded sometime earlier during his short time in the ETO as well as his fatal wound. There is a story here. I will watch as I read and research...
and hope others have more information.

Your grandfather and his family knew the worst news war can bring. I have to believe that they would be pleased to know that they are remembered and that you are looking not only for the history of your grandfather but also of his brother.

Thanks for including us in your search. Please keep us posted.

Connie

[Jim West - Indiana Military Or]

Hello Jim. Thanks for researching the life of an American Hero.

I have updated his 106th Roster entry based upon your info and that of Connie (above). Please take a look at it and let me know if you see any problems, or can add anything. I am also now adding photos of the individuals. Simply email me a copy and I will do the rest.

[tamararoth]

James, My father was also part of the 81st combat engineers and was also from Shamokin Pennsylvania. It's very probable they knew each other. Would you please email me the photos you have? [e-mail] Thank You-Tamara