Ferris Dean Porter of Benton, AR, served in the US Army Air Corps from May 1943 to 1945, and then in the reserves until October 1950. He was reactivated with the Arkansas Air National Guard's 154th Fighter-Bomber Squadron and flew the F-84 in Korea. Porter completed 100 combat missions, successfully downed an enemy MiG-15—the only confirmed kill by any pilot in the Arkansas Air National Guard during that war—and damaged another MiG-15.

He also conducted low-level missions against enemy troops and installations. Porter earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his service. His Distinguished Flying Cross citation notes his bravery in attacking enemy supply trucks and tanks under poor visibility and intense flak, inflicting heavy damage on critically needed equipment and supplies. After the war, he returned to Arkansas and became a full-time member of the Arkansas National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.