Milton C. Portmann

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Milton C. Portmann
Milton C. Portmann 1909/10 Western Reserve
Nickname(s)Muff[1]
Born:October 20, 1888
Jackson, Minnesota U.S.
Died:August 14, 1967(1967-08-14) (aged 78)
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Career information
Position(s)OL/End
Height6 ft 6[2] in (198 cm)
Weight243 lb (110 kg)
CollegeWestern Reserve
Career history
As player
1911Shelby Blues
1912Akron Indians
1913Akron Indians
1914Akron Indians
1915Massillon Tigers
1916Cleveland Indians
Career highlights and awards

Hall of Fame class of 1976 Case Western Reserve[3]

Milton Cloudious Portmann (October 20, 1888 – August 14, 1967) was an American professional football player in the Ohio League, an attorney, and United States Army Officer veteran of World War I. Milton was born in Jackson, Minnesota. Briefly he worked at his law firm Townes (Clayton C. Townes)[4] & Portmann in Cleveland, Ohio while also playing professional football. In 1917, he enlisted in the United States Army.

Early life and family[edit]

Milton Portmann was born October 20, 1888, in Jackson, Minnesota, the second born of three sons of Dr. William C. Portmann and Emma Ball.[5] His father emigrated to the United States as a 10-year-old from Herbetswil, Switzerland with his parents in 1869.[6] His uncle E.O. Portmann was President McKinley's at home physician and after the president died was the First Lady's physician.[7] His mother Emma Ball was the youngest daughter of American inventor[8] and U.S. Civil War Colonel Ephraim Ball. Portmann had two brothers, a roentgenologist Ursus[9] and Arthur. Arthur was Senator Rob Portman's grandfather making Milton his Great-Uncle. Portmann married Dorothy Clampitt in 1923. They had three children together. Both sons were World War II veterans.[10][11]

Education[edit]

Portmann studied Law and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He had a role in the 1907 and 1908 OAC Championship title in football and was captain of the Western Reserve Football team in 1909/10.[12] In track, he set two school records in one day at the Big Six Meet in Columbus. Those records in the hammer and discus throws stood unchallenged for several years.[13] He also helped Western Reserve to a pair of victories on the ice versus CIT in 1909 and was selected to the WRU 50-Year Football All-Star Team at offensive tackle.[14] He was inducted in the Case Western Reserve Hall of Fame in 1976.[15]

Western Reserve Football
  • 1908 Western Reserve University Football Team (Milton No. 13, brother Ursus #14)
    1908 Western Reserve University Football Team (Milton No. 13, brother Ursus #14)
  • Reserve Does Well Reserves Giant Football Leader 1909
    Reserve Does Well Reserves Giant Football Leader 1909
  • Milton Portmann with Western Reserve coaches on field sidelines in 1910 (Person furthest right)
    Milton Portmann with Western Reserve coaches on field sidelines in 1910 (Person furthest right)
  • Milton Portmann (Left) shakes hands with Oberlin captain Glen Gray (Right) November 5, 1910
    Milton Portmann (Left) shakes hands with Oberlin captain Glen Gray (Right) November 5, 1910

Football career[edit]

In 1911 Portmann had his rookie professional season with the Shelby Blues. The team went 9–1 under coach and quarterback George "Peggy" Parratt.[16] The Blues won the Ohio League title.[17] In 1912, both Parratt and Portmann moved to Akron.[18] Going 7–3, Akron was defeated by the Elyria Athletics for the title.[19] In 1913 and 1914, Portmann continued play for Akron under Parratt.[20] They won Ohio League titles in 1913, going 8–1 and 1914 going 8–2.[21]

Portmann played in the Ohio League in 1915 with the Massillon Tigers and in 1916 with the Cleveland Indians. In the 1915 season with Massillon, he started and played three games.[22] In 1916, Parratt joined the Cleveland Indians and recruited players including Portmann to join. He started in five games and played in six.[23] The 1916 Cleveland Indians season was their first season in existence. In the Ohio League, Cleveland posted an 8-3-1 record. Play ended in December 1916. The following year in 1917, Portmann enlisted in the United States National Army.

Milton Portmann and the 1913 Akron Parratt Indians

World War I[edit]

Milton C. Portmann
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1917–1919
Rank Major
Unit89th Regional Readiness Command SSI 89th Infantry Division

177th Infantry Brigade

353rd Infantry Regiment

Company E
Commands held1st Battalion & 2nd Battalion
Battles/warsWorld War I

St. Mihiel Offensive

Meuse-Argonne Offensive

Defensive Sector

Awards Silver Star

Purple Heart

WW1 Victory Medal (3) Battle Clasps

BEL – Order of Leopold – Officer bar Order of Leopold (Belgium)

Portmann enlisted into service on August 27, 1917, at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Lawrence Township, Indiana as a Private in the Officers Reserve Corp of the National Army. He was assigned to Company E of the 353rd Infantry Regiment of the 89th Division AEF. He was stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison from August 27, 1917, to November 27, 1917. From November 27, 1917, to May 23, 1918, he was assigned to Camp Funston in Fort Riley, Kansas and was promoted to Captain on November 27, 1917.[25] He was stationed in Camp Funston until the 89th Division embarked on its voyage to Europe preparing for war.

Capt. Portmann (Seated) of Co. E with 1Lt Alvin Seith of Co. M of the 353rd Infantry at Camp Funston before deployment. 1LT Seith was KIA September 30, 1918

On June 3, 1918, Portmann and the 89th Division in New York City boarded the SS Karmala. They arrived in Liverpool, England June 17, 1918. On June 25, the 2nd Battalion of the 353rd Infantry arrived in Saint-Blin,[26] France for combat training. Portmann assumed command of the battalion.[27] On August 3, the 2nd Battalion left Saint-Blin to accompany and support the 1st Battalion that had already moved towards the front lines. The path of the 2nd Battalion was Saint-Blin through Liffol-le-Grand, Neufchateau, and Toul. Portmann gathered three other men of the company and patrolled No man's land. They were to take a German soldier back for questioning if possible. All three made it through the barbed-wire to encircle a German sentry without being seen. Portmann used the butt-end of his trench knife to knock out the German. They dragged him back to AEF lines before the raid was known and shooting started.[28] The men of Company E would hold this position until August 22, 1918, when they fell back to Manonville in lieu of the 3rd Battalion.[29]

On September 11, 1918, Portmann crashed through German barbed wire that lined their trench. Using his Army issued field glasses he looked for the MG-08 machine gun that was causing heavy casualties and a machine gun burst fired at him missing his head by a foot. The machine gun bullets had hit rocks beside him fragmenting bits of stone and bullet embedding into his face. Another gun shot went directly through his left hand.[30] "Every officer of the company was either killed or wounded in the first 15 minutes of the fight, but Captain Milton C. Portmann, though painfully wounded continued to lead his men against these guns and put them out of action."[31] Portmann was the only officer left in the fight.[32] Iodine and gauze from medics treated his wounded hand and face.

During routine command patrol morning of September 17, 1918, an aid to Brigadier general Frank L. Winn, then commander of the 177th Brigade, noticed men of Company E were in plain sight of German aircraft or balloon forces.[33] Portmann, then command officer of E, was court-martialed for this offence.[34] 353rd infantry Col. James H Reeves defended Portmann stating, "The action of the Commanding General causes the deepest humiliation to one of the bravest, ablest, most brilliant officers I have ever known..." He recommended a promotion to a higher grade.[33] Portmann was reinstated on September 18, 1918.[34] For his gallantry in action during the Battle of St. Mihiel, Portmann was cited by Commanding General John J. Pershing on May 27, 1919, for his actions.[35]

Distinguished Service Citation

(Upgraded by US Army to Silver Star)

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Captain (Infantry) Milton Portmann, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him, Captain (Infantry) Portmann distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 353rd Infantry, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the St. Mihiel Offensive, France, 12–13 September 1918, and by his extraordinary heroism.

On October 21, 1918 in the drive to Argonne, German artillery shelling increased in the Bois de Bantheville where Portmann commanding the 1st Battalion with the 353rd infantry regiment was located.[36] Portmann received artillery shrapnel through his right thigh. Severely wounded, he was evacuated to Regimental base hospital.[37] He spent the next five months in various hospitals.[38] He was moved by ambulance train and arrived in Hyeres Base Hospital #99 by direction of his brother Ursus, where as a United States Army physician was stationed.[39] He was home in May 1919 with an open wound still in his leg.[40]

Military awards[edit]

Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart Medal World War I Victory Medal

w/ three bronze service stars for St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, and Defensive Sectors

Order of Leopold (Belgium)

Later life and death[edit]

Portmann took the bar exam in 1911.[41] He and Clayton C. Townes then opened law offices of Townes & Portmann.[4] The firm grew to Townes, Krueger, Portmann, and Belton in 1921.[42] In August 1919 Portmann and five other veterans founded the Army-Navy American Legion Post 54 in Cleveland,.[43] He continued litigation and ran his law firm with his son Richard that was Portmann & Portmann until his death from leukemia on August 14, 1967, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

  • Milton Portmann at Westwood Country Club in Rocky River, OH
    Milton Portmann at Westwood Country Club in Rocky River, OH
  • Milton Portmann goose hunting.
    Milton Portmann goose hunting.
  • Milton and Dorothy Portmann (Top) at oldest son (Seated) Mr. and Mrs.(Eleanor) Milton Portmann Jr wedding 1945.
    Milton and Dorothy Portmann (Top) at oldest son (Seated) Mr. and Mrs.(Eleanor) Milton Portmann Jr wedding 1945.
  • Milton Portmann October 1962 photograph from Army Navy Post 54 The Bugle
    Milton Portmann October 1962 photograph from Army Navy Post 54 The Bugle

References[edit]

  1. ^ Portmann, Milton C. "Muff". Pro Football Archives.
  2. ^ Dienst, Charles F. (1921). History of the 353rd Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, National Army, September, 1917 – June 1919. Wichita, KS. p. 90.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  3. ^ Portmann, Milton. "Hall of Fame Members". Case Western Reserve. Case Western University. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  4. ^ a b Townes, Clayton C. (12 May 2018). "Townes, Clayton C." case.edu. Case Western Reserve. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  5. ^ Portmann, Dr. William C (1895). Faribault County (Minn.) -- Biography, Martin County (Minn.) -- Biography, Watonwan County (Minn.) -- Biography, Jackson County (Minn.) -- Biography. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company. pp. 733 744. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  6. ^ Rose, Arthur (1910). An Illustrated History of Jackson County Minnesota. New York Public Library: Northern History. p. 474.
  7. ^ Rose, Arthur P (1910). An Illustrated History of Jackson County Minnesota. New York Public Library: Northern History. p. 474.
  8. ^ Ball, Ephraim (1986–1988). "American Machinist". American Machinist & Automated Manufacturing. 63 (23–27): 8.
  9. ^ Portmann, Dr. Ursus V. (August 1966). "Biography of Dr. Ursus V. Portmann". American Journal of Roentgenology. 97 (4): 1055–1057. doi:10.2214/ajr.97.4.1055. PMID 5330774. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  10. ^ Portmann, Milton. "Lt(JG) Milton C. Portmann Jr". Veterans Legacy Memorial.
  11. ^ Portmann, Richard. "95th Bomb Group". 95th Bomb Group (H).
  12. ^ Bang, Ed (14 January 1909). "Muff Portman Captain Doesn't Care to Play If Seaman Isn't Coaching". Sandusky Register. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  13. ^ "Ohio St. Wins Meet: Records Are Smashed". No. Sports. The Pittsburgh Post. Associated Press. 29 May 1909. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  14. ^ Portmann, Milton. "Case Western Reserve Hall of Fame". CaseWestern.Prestosports.com. Case Western University. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  15. ^ Portmann, Milton. "Hall of Fame Members". Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  16. ^ Portmann, Milton (28 October 1911). "Shelby Blues". News-Journal. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  17. ^ "1911 Shelby Blues". Retro Seasons. 28 February 2022. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  18. ^ PFRA, Research. "Elyria Out of Nowhere" (PDF). The Coffin Corner. Professional Football Researchers Association. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  19. ^ Retro, Seasons. "Akron Indians 1912 Season Recap". Retro Seasons.
  20. ^ PFRA, Research. "Ohio Tiger Trap" (PDF). The Coffin Corner. Professional Football Researchers Association. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  21. ^ Roberts, Milt. "Peggy Parratt, MVP" (PDF). The Coffin Corner. Professional Football Researchers Association. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  22. ^ Cusack, Jack. "Pioneer in Pro Football" (PDF). The Coffin Corner. Professional Football Researchers Association. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  23. ^ Portmann, Milton. "Pro Football Archives". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  24. ^ a b "Sector Activities AEF on Western Front and Italy 1917–1918" (PDF). History.Army.mil.
  25. ^ Portmann, Milton. "Military Service Record". Minnesota War Records Commission. State of Minnesota. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  26. ^ Dienst, Charles F. (1921). History of the 353rd Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, National Army, September, 1917 – June 1919. Wichita, KS. p. 32.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  27. ^ Dienst, Charles F. (1921). History of the 353rd Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, National Army, September, 1917 – June 1919. Wichita, KS. p. 35.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  28. ^ David, Karl (23 February 1944). "Portmann Hero of World War I". Adelbert Alumni. Western Reserve. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  29. ^ Dienst, Charles F. (1921). History of the 353rd Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, National Army, September, 1917 – June 1919. Wichita, KS. p. 52.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  30. ^ Loveland, Roelif (1928). "Barbed Wire No Barrier For Him". Plain Dealer. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  31. ^ English Jr, George H (1920). History of the 89th Division. USA: War Society of the 89th Division. p. 98.
  32. ^ Loveland, Roelif (1928). "Barbed Wire No Barrier For Him". Plain Dealer. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
  33. ^ a b Portmann, Milton. "Actual Court-Martial". United States Army. Declassified. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  34. ^ a b Estherville, Iowa (19 May 1920). "Courtmartial for Muff Portmann? Well hardly". Estherville Democrat. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  35. ^ Portmann, Milton. "Hallf of Valor Project". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  36. ^ American, Legion (15 October 1962). "American Legion Army and Navy Post 54". The Bugle. 26 (16): 4. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  37. ^ Dienst, Charles F. (1921). History of the 353rd Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, National Army, September, 1917-June 1919. Wichita, KS: Northern History. p. 112.
  38. ^ American, Legion (15 October 1962). "American Legion Army and Navy Post 54". The Bugle. 26 (16): 1.
  39. ^ Portmann, Ursus V. (1966). "Ursus V. Portmann 1887–1966". American Journal of Roentgenology. 97 (4). The Cleveland Clinic: 1055–1057. doi:10.2214/ajr.97.4.1055. PMID 5330774. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  40. ^ American, Legion (15 October 1962). "American Legion Army and Navy Post 54". The Bugle. 26 (16): 4.
  41. ^ "Ohio Athletes To Take Bar Examinations". No. Page 7. Canton News Democrat. 6 June 1911. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  42. ^ "Football As Leading Sport and High Eleven as Exponent Lauded". Sandusky Star Journal. 30 November 1921. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  43. ^ American Legion, Post 54 (September 1940). "Roster and History American Legion Army and Navy Post 54". The Bugle. 26 (16): 1. Retrieved 25 September 2023.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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