Army Air Force Second Lieutenant Porter M. Pile, a Harlingen CISD alumnus, who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, was officially accounted for on November 28, 2022.
Pile, a member of the 700th Bombardment Squadron, 445th Bombardment Group, 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force, went missing on September 27, 1944, in a Liberator plane crash in Germany. He was declared deceased on September 28, 1945.
After the war, efforts were made to locate missing American personnel in Europe. In 2007, a tip from a German citizen led to the discovery of a plane near Richelsdorf, Germany. Excavations from 2015-2016 revealed remains identified as those of Second Lieutenant Porter M. Pile. Using advanced forensic techniques, scientists from the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System confirmed his identity.
He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on October 31, 2023.
Second Lieutenant Porter M. Pile’s name is listed on the Wall of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery in England. A rosette will be added next to his name to signify that he has been accounted for.
As a Harlingen CISD alumnus, Porter attended Travis Elementary and Harlingen High School. In remembering Porter Pile, we honor not only a courageous servicemember but also a beloved member of the Harlingen community.
