James Perkins

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to James Perkins (1016689), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Regiment of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 2 November 1950. Serving as a member of the Division postal section attached to the regiment, Corporal Perkins volunteered to deliver mail to a battalion on outpost duty. When the convoy with which he was traveling was ambushed by a large enemy force, he courageously and with complete disregard for his personal safety, remained in a position exposed to withering enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire in order to deliver effective fire on the enemy. Twice wounded during the engagement, he fearlessly continued to rain fire on the enemy, until he was wounded a third time, and could not operate his own weapon. Refusing to seek medical attention for his painful wounds, he maintained his position under intense enemy fire, loading magazines for his comrades so they could continue the engagement. When the enemy was finally repulsed, he assisted in aiding the wounded, refusing medical attention until all other casualties had been treated. Throughout the entire engagement, he maintained personal control of the mail in his charge, and ultimately delivered it intact to proper authority. His great personal bravery and courageous devotion to duty were an inspiration to all who observed him. Corporal Perkins’ heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.