Porter was born in
Alma, Nebraska, on 29 April 1908. After graduating from high school, he entered the
United States Military Academy, graduating in 1930. He began his career in the cavalry. During World War II, he served with the
1st Infantry Division in North Africa and Sicily, and with
II Corps in Italy. Returning to the War Department in 1945, he served as a strategic planner, and later became executive officer to the Under Secretary of the Army. After graduating from the
National War College in 1950, Porter held a variety of positions to include commander,
2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment; Deputy G-3, Allied Land Forces Central Europe; Chief of Staff,
X Corps; member of the National Security Council Planning Board; Commander,
3rd Armored Division; United States Representative to the Permanent Deputies Group,
Central Treaty Organization. From April 1964 to 1965 he commanded the
First United States Army at
Fort Jay,
Governors Island, New York. His final assignment was Commander-in-Chief,
United States Southern Command. Porter's awards and decorations included the
Army Distinguished Service Medal with
oak leaf cluster, the
Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, and the
Bronze Star Medal. ==Later life==