John W. Perry

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to John W. Perry (395700), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Leader of a Rifle Platoon of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Naha-Shuri sector of Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 18 May 1945. In charge of the right flank platoon during a furious assault by his company upon a strongly-defended enemy ridge, Corporal Perry, acting on his own initiative, made his way alone to the top of the vital ridge through an avalanche of hand grenades for a reconnaissance. After locating the key hostile pillbox that was causing many casualties, he returned to his platoon for a machine-gun squad, placed the squad and fearlessly directed the machine-gun fire from an exposed position, neutralizing the Japanese fire and making it possible for his platoon to gain its objective. By his skillful leadership, cool courage in the face of grave danger and indomitable fighting spirit, Corporal Perry served as an inspiration to his comrades and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 52118 (January 10, 1946)