TankDestroyer.net

SEEK * STRIKE * DESTROY

Porter, Clifford G. (772nd)

Clifford-G-Porter-and-wifeClifford G. Porter

Biography:  Clifford Gordon Porter was born on January 5, 1916  in South Haven, Michigan, which is in Van Buren County.  He was the son of John Porter and Charlotte Loomis and attended local schools through the 9th grade.  His enlistment record identifies him as working as a semi-skilled driver prior to his time in the service.

Service Time:  Clifford entered the service on July 4, 1941 at South Haven and was eventually assigned to the 772nd Tank Destroyer Battalion.  On May 15, 1944, Clifford married the former Ella Rourke.  She was the daughter of David Rourke and Mae Hewitson and was born in Osnabrock, North Dakota, which is in Cavalier County.

The 772nd went into action in December of 1944 with towed 3 inch guns, but was converted in March of 1945 to self-propelled M36’s with the 90mm gun.  They saw action in Belgium and along the Rhine as well as Ruhr pocket.  They received credit for three campaigns, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe.  At the time of the wedding photo shown above, Clifford had reached the rank of Technician 4th Grade.

Clipping from the “News – Palladium”, Monday, April 21, 1941

When Clifford returned to the U.S., he also returned to South Haven where the couple made their residence.  Clifford passed away on June 8, 1997, and was buried in Benton Harbor, MI.

I want to thank Clifford’s grandson, Tim, for providing the materials for this article.