Volume 7 , Issue 7

Another Instance of Reconnecting

We connected with a grandson of Ray Porter (WWII Commander) this week. The first Ray Porter was the commanding general of the 75th Infantry Division during WWII and signed my Uncle Bob McGill's citation for the bronze star award back in May of 1945.

It was 24 May 1945, when the General Order Number 149, dated 24 May 1945 came down from Headquarters, 75th Infantry Division, Office of the Commanding General. Citation - Under the provisions of AR 600-45, the Bronze Star Medal was awarded to Major (and Captain) Robert L. McGill, 0 389 481, Headquarters 75th Infantry Division, for meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy from 24 December 1944 to 9 May 1945, in Belgium, France, Holland and Germany. Uncle Bob was serving as Ground Liaison Officer, instituting policies and procedures for air-ground cooperation and impressed all divisional units in taking important objectives. Major McGill exhibited outstanding judgment and skill in the coordination of the execution of the tactical plan by which enemy resistance to our forces was overcome. Entered military service from Alva, Oklahoma. The certificate was signed by Ray E. Porter, Major General, U. S. Army, Commanding. General Order Number 149, 24 May 1945.

I was only about 5going on 6 years of age when my Uncle Bob McGill died, in February, 1954, of lung cancer. So I did not know him all that well nor did I have that many memories of him. What memories I do have are all the letters, photos, etc... that his mother (my grandmother, Constance Warwick McGill) saved in an old trunk in her basement. I love hearing from those whose paths may have crossed and connected with my family -- especially my Uncle Bob. You can read more about the Kelsey & Porter connections in the Mailbag Corner below.   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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