Joseph M. Perez

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Joseph M. Perez, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Squad Leader, 1st Squad, 3d Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Second Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team-7, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, on 27 December 2009 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On this day, while on patrol in the vicinity of Luguryan Village, Helmand Province, Sergeant Perez received sensitive reporting that Taliban fighters had completely surrounded his squad and were ready to ambush from five mutually-supporting machinegun positions. Unhesitatingly, he split his squad into three maneuver elements in anticipation of the enemy’s actions. Seconds later, the enemy fighters opened fire, pinning down Sergeant Perez and his base unit, and injuring and isolating the squad’s pointman. Knowing the enemy’s intention to capture the isolated Marine, Sergeant Perez attempted multiple times to reach him, but was denied by heavy enemy fire. He then ordered his 2d Fire Team to attack from the north, a move which effectively reduced the enemy’s fires. While still under direct heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Perez sprinted through 50 meters of open field to the isolated Marine and rendered aid to him. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, Sergeant Perez directed the internal fire support of his squad and violently led his base unit toward the enemy positions. After closing on the enemy positions, Sergeant Perez found two enemy fighters that had been killed and captured one that was wounded along with his machineguns and ammunition. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Sergeant Perez reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Joseph M. Perez (US50011800), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Perez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 May 1967 as a fire team leader of an infantry company conducting a search and destroy mission near the Cambodian border. As the unit reached the crest of a hill, it came under heavy sniper fire from tree lines to the front and left flank. The commanding officer was mortally wounded by the initial volley. Specialist Perez directed the troops to seek cover while he remained exposed to the enemy and laid down suppressive fire. Several men took cover behind a log to escape the hostile barrage. As Specialist Perez joined them, the enemy began to employ mortars and rockets in addition to small arms fire. He and the small group behind the log were temporarily immobilized and forced to remain in that position, returning fire as effectively as possible. Suddenly, an enemy grenade landed in front of Specialist Perez. Without hesitation, he seized the grenade and absorbed its explosion with his own body to shield his comrades from the blast. He lay unconscious in the open area for approximately twenty minutes as continuing insurgent fire prevented anyone from going to his aid. Upon regaining consciousness, he crawled twenty meters to a point where he could be reached and treated by medics. His heroic act enabled his fire team to remain an effective fighting force and saved several of its members from being severely wounded or killed. Specialist Four Perez’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3691 (August 1, 1968)