Gery Hudson Porter
USN, WWII Veteran
Pearl Harbor Survivor
Riverside, CA, 29 SEPT 14
The family of Gery Hudson Porter, 92, has invited the Patriot Guard to attend the services of their Hero, it would be our honor to do so.
Gery served in the U.S. Navy from November 7, 1940 until December 3, 1946. He served an additional two years in the reserve for a total of 8 years. In June of 1941, Gery was a shipmate aboard the USS West Virginia (BB-48), a Colorado-class battleship. Six months later, at 0800 on December 7, 1941, Gery was aboard the USS West Virginia at Pearl Harbor, HI when it and other ships were attacked by Japanese aircraft. The West Virginia was struck by seven 18 inches aerial torpedoes and two type 99 number 80 mark 5 bombs made from 16” armor-piercing naval shells. After the ship was sunk, Gery spent the day fighting fires on board. Following the attack, he served on the USS San Francisco.
In July 1942 he was assigned to the USS Bogue in Bremerton, WA. Following Atlantic convoy and antisubmarine patrol duty, he was reassigned in July 1943 to the USS Langley in Philadelphia, PA. The Langley joined and operated with the Pacific Fleet(s) from early January 1944 until April 1955 when it returned to San Francisco for repairs. Gery was discharged in December 1946 and had obtained the rank of Chief Machinist's Mate. His awards include the American Defense w/star, Asiatic-Pacific w/10 stars, American Area, European-African w/star, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Navy Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation w/star and Philippine Liberation w/2 stars.
After serving, he worked and retired after 28 years from the Port of Long Beach as a Civil Engineer and Deputy Chief Harbor Engineer. His hobbies were wood craft, photography, traveling and enjoying the symphony. Gary became an active member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and served as national secretary and treasurer for the Association.
Gery is survived by his fiance, one daughter and one granddaughter.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Monday, 29 SEPT 14: 0945 - Stage at Evans Brown Mortuaries, 27010 Encanto Dr., Sun City, CA 92585
http://goo.gl/maps/du4Mp 1000 - Mission Briefing
1015 - Flag line for dignified transfer to coach
1030 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, (Staging Area #3 for family, Staging Area #8 for PGR) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E 1115 - Est Arrival at the Riverside National Cemetery
1130 - KSU to assigned Shelter for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
RC Ray 'TBone' GouldPatriot Guard Ride Captain
ray@gouldgps.com
951-634-4112 cell
ALR Chapter 200
American Legion Post 200 (Lake Elsinore)
Service Officer
USMC SSgt (Ret) (D.I.)
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
Please remember to share you condolences for loved ones at the following link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?395247
