William D . Port William David Port ( October 13 , or October 31 , 1941 – November 27 , 1968 ) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military ' s highest decoration — the Medal of Honor — for his actions in the Vietnam War . Biography . Port joined the Army from Harrisburg , Pennsylvania , and by January 12 , 1968 was serving as a private first class in Company C , 5th Battalion , 7th Cavalry Regiment , 1st Air Cavalry Division . During a firefight on that day , in the Que Son Valley , Quang Nam Province , Republic of Vietnam , rescued a wounded comrade and then smothered the blast of an enemy - thrown grenade with his body to protect other soldiers . Port survived the blast , but was seriously wounded and captured by the enemy . He died while a prisoner of war ten months later . Port was promoted to Sergeant and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle in August 1970 . Port , aged 27 at his death , was initially buried in a jungle grave along with 8 other prisoners . His remains were recovered in August 1985 , and he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery two months later . In Huntingdon , Pennsylvania there is a bridge across the Juniata River named after William Port . A plaque describes his heroism . Reference from : william d port ( web ) Military Branch : Army Rank : SGT Serial Number : 177329730 Component : Selective Service Posthumous promotion as indicated Pay grade : E4 MOS ( Military Occupational Specialty code ) : 11B10 Quote from : Steve Loving " Bill was drafted at a much older age than most of us kids - we were mostly 18 or 19 and even the officers were in their early 20 ' s . Bill was in his late 20 ' s . While most of us always seemed to have something to gripe about , I can never recall Bill saying anything negative . He was a quiet , private guy and he led his life that way — with quiet dignity . That dreadful day in January is a day that our platoon will never forget , and many of us are able to celebrate life because of Bill ' s sacrifice . He will never be forgotten by any of us who served with him . " Medal of Honor . Rank and organization : Sergeant ( then Pfc . ) , U . S . Army , Company C , 5th Battalion , 7th Cavalry , 1st Air Cavalry Division . Place and date : Que Son Valley , Quang Nam Province , Republic of Vietnam , January 12 , 1968 . Entered service at : Harrisburg , Pa . Born : October 13 , 1941 , Petersburg , Pa . Citation : For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty . Sgt . Port distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman with Company C , which was conducting combat operations against an enemy force in the Que Son Valley . As Sgt . Port ' s platoon was moving to cut off a reported movement of enemy soldiers , the platoon came under heavy fire from an entrenched enemy force . The platoon was forced to withdraw due to the intensity and ferocity of the fire . Although wounded in the hand as the withdrawal began , Sgt . Port , with complete disregard for his safety , ran through the heavy fire to assist a wounded comrade back to the safety of the platoon perimeter . As the enemy forces assaulted in the perimeter , Sgt . Port and 3 comrades were in position behind an embankment when an enemy grenade landed in their midst . Sgt . Port , realizing the danger to his fellow soldiers , shouted the warning , " Grenade , " and unhesitatingly hurled himself towards the grenade to shield his comrades from the explosion . Through his exemplary courage and devotion he saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and gave the members of his platoon the inspiration needed to hold their position . Sgt . Port ' s selfless concern for his comrades , at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest tradition of the military service and reflect great credit on himself , his unit , and the U . S . Army .