Navy Federal Credit Union

A Spanish citizen by birth, Gines Perez became a naturalized American in 1932 when his family settled in Arizona. He received Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of Arizona before entering military service through ROTC. Serving in World War II he earned the Legion of Merit and 3 Bronze Stars, before adding both a DSC and Silver Star in the Korean War.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 31, 1950

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 244 (April 26, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Gines Perez, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Perez distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kwakson, Korea, on 31 October 1950. On that date, the 2d Battalion was conducting a drive toward Sinuiju when it was held up by heavy artillery, mortar and automatic-weapons fire from seven enemy tanks and an estimated battalion of enemy troops. Colonel Perez, riding in the lead tank, leaped to the ground and, despite the intense enemy fire, deployed his battalion with the utmost calmness. After making a rapid, accurate estimate of the situation, he contacted Company E and led them to a position from which they launched an attack designed to envelop the flank of the enemy. Moving back, he directed the emplacement of artillery pieces; then, with complete indifference to the heavy enemy fire, he moved to the foremost position of his troops and personally adjusted the artillery fire. He remained in this exposed position until the enveloping company had overrun the enemy positions, forcing them to retreat in disorder. The successful enveloping attack, engineered and directed by Colonel Perez, resulted in the capture of sixty-four prisoners, inflicted an estimated two hundred casualties on the enemy, and destroyed five enemy tanks one self-propelled gun. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Perez on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    June 1964 – December 1968

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 7 (January 29, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Gines Perez (ASN: 0-30126), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from June 1964 through December 1968.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 2, 1950

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 224 (November 19, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Gines Perez (ASN: 0-30126), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Angang-ni, Korea, on 2 September 1950. His battalion was in defensive positions supporting allied units when the enemy brought heavy pressure to bear all along the sector. The friendly forces were being overrun and the town threatened. Company E was ordered to attack in an attempt to regain lost ground and prevent a collapse of the front in that sector. With utter disregard for his own safety Colonel Perez advanced through intense mortar, small arms and tank fire, assured personal command of the company. Remaining exposed to the enemy’s heavy fire he directed the assault and his men, inspired by his gallant example, overran the position. Colonel Perez’s heroic action and outstanding leadership reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.