World War II Honoree

Bernard G. Porterfield

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Beckley, West Virginia

Honored By

Lee, Carol, Mannix and Larry

Relationship

Sons and Daughter

ASSIGNED FOR DUTY TO THE MERCHANT MARINE SHIP, USS JOHN MARSHALL. AFTER STOPS IN SOUTH AMERICA, THE SHIP WAS INVOLVED IN THE NORMANDY INVASION AT OMAHA BEACH. SHIP WAS ON A SUICIDE MISSION WHEREIN IT WAS INTENTIONALLY DISABLED AND PARTIALLY SUNK TO PROVIDE A BREAK WATER FOR SHIPS LANDING TROOPS AND SUPPLIES ONTO THE BEACH. AWARDED PURPLE HEART FOR INJURIES RECEIVED AT NORMANDY INVASION.