Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    158th Regimental Combat Team (Separate)

    Division:

    41st Infantry Division (Attached)

    Action Date:

    January 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 64 (July 6, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert Knight Perry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 158th Regimental Combat Team (Separate), attached to the 41st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Arawe, New Britain, in January 1944. When the Infantry Company of which Lieutenant Perry was Executive Officer made an assault on a heavily defended enemy position, withering enemy fire cause numerous casualties. Although so severely wounded that he was unable to rise from the ground, he assumed command of the company. In the face of enemy machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Perry kept the battalion command post appraised of the tactical situation, ascertained locations of enemy machine-guns which were holding up the advance, and directed tanks and elements of his company in attacking enemy positions. He directed evacuation of dead and wounded, and himself refused evacuation, remaining for three and a half hours on the field in the fire lanes of from three to five enemy machine-guns located only 25 yards away. Because of his courageous leadership and tenacity on this occasion, Lieutenant Perry contributed materially to the successful repulse of the enemy from this position. First Lieutenant Perry’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.