Porkins never really died. His weight carried him to the core of the Death Star and caused its destruction. Due to syncronicity, Luke shot at the weak point at the Same time Jek hit the core. This was the cause for much resentment on Jek's part. Luke got the medal, Jek got to wash his jockey shorts. Further evidence to Jek's survival is the question from Red Leader who asks "Red 6, do you see Red 5?" This question was posed after Porkin's "Fatal" crash. He obviously responds for the leader does not question any other fighters.