This Army Military history information is for Ralph Vernon Portner Sr. Who was born near Thurmont, Frederick County, Maryland on November 11, 1925 to Harry Stiner Schley Portner and Stella Baily Portner.

Ralph's date of service was March 9, 1944-May 19, 1946, from Ft. George Meade Maryland. His Military Occupational Specialty was Truck Driver Light 345 and his Military Qualification was MKM M1 Rifle and Carbine Expert Light, Armored Command Basic Training, Cannoneer, Half Track driver, Machine Gun and Ex Submachine Gun. A Lapel Button was issued.

The Battles and Campaigns were in Central Europe. Ralph served for 15 in the European Theater of Operations, drove various sized trucks transporting personnel and equipment, and has driven under combat and blackout conditions and made repairs to vehicles in emergency situations.

Decorations and Citations of the Good Conduct Medal, Army Occupation Medal (Germany) European, African, Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon.

Ralph was a Technician Fifth Grade, Battery C, 7th Field Artillery Battalion and He was a member of the Big Red 1group.

After the Army, Ralph moved to Dayton, Ohio and married Shirley Broadstone in 1951 and they have six children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ralph is retired from Miami Valley Hospital after many years as a painter and received many awards for restoration of hospital furniture, wall plaques, and for years of employment.

If you knew this individual, and would like to see them remembered in
the next History of Emmitsburg, Please send us any stories or
anecdotes about them to us at: history@emmitsburg.net

Read Ed Houcks': Remembering Some of Emmitsburg's Honored Veterans

Revolutionary War Honor Roll
Civil War Honor Roll
World War I Honor Roll
World War II Honor Roll