Theron H. Perry

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Theron H. Perry (0-2017275), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while Commanding Company K, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. On 29 September 1951, near Chorwon, Korea, Company K, in conjunction with another company, was assigned the mission of attacking and securing a strategic hill held by well-entrenched enemy troops. In the initial stage of the attack, Company K was subjected to heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire, but under the direction and encouragement of Captain Perry, the company continued to move forward until it reached the foot of the hill. Here it deployed and two platoons advanced up the incline under heavy small arms fire. When the platoons had nearly reached their objective, they were pinned down under vast quantities of grenades hurled down by the enemy. Although having been wounded by mortar fragments, Captain Perry moved forward to the units, ordered them to fix bayonets and, shouting encouragement, personally led the platoons in their final assault on the hill where they engaged the enemy at close quarters with grenades. During this final assault, Captain Perry was wounded again, seriously enough to necessitate evacuation; however, he had so inspired the men by his courage that they finished clearing the trenches of enemy troops and secured the hill. Captain Perry’s superb courage, gallantry, and leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.