The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) James F. Perry (ASN: 0-1315610), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving as Executive Officer, 2d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division on 29 May 1951 in the vicinity of Inje, Korea. On that day his battalion had been directed to clear and secure the Umyan-ni – Inje road, a vital supply route and communications artery, from enemy observation and fire. Company G, while moving to attack, became heavily engaged with a well-entrenched enemy force on Hill 729. The Company Commander was wounded in the initial fire fight and had to be evacuated. Major Perry, realizing his presence was needed in the threatened sector, immediately moved over rugged mountainous terrain and through intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire to an observation post in the midst of Company G where he could direct the movements of the company as well as the remainder of the Battalion. With complete disregard for personal safety and though continually subjected to intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire, Major Perry directed the attack of his units so as to dislodge the enemy force with a minimum of losses to his own units. On numerous occasions he moved about the hill completely exposing himself to the intense enemy fire to better assist in the adjustment of artillery fire and mortar fire and to render words of encouragement to his assaulting elements. Major Perry’s selfless devotion to duty, his inspiring leadership and courage reflect the highest credit on himself and is in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
9th Infantry RegimentDivision:
2d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 30, 1950
Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 128 (June 1, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) James F. Perry (ASN: 0-1315610), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 30 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea. The 2d Battalion was attacking an enemy roadblock on the main supply route between Kunu-ri and Sunchon when the forward elements of the battalion contacted the enemy. Major Perry deployed his men on both sides of the road and fearlessly exposed himself to enemy fire while directing the return fire of his units. While leading his man in An attack on a well-concealed enemy position, Major Perry was painfully wounded in the back by an exploding mortar shell. Disregarding this serious wound and refusing medical aid, he continued to direct the fire of his men. When the stubbornly resisting enemy gained fire superiority, and his men became panicky, Major Perry moved among them to encourage them. Organizing a heterogeneous United Nations task force, he directed them in a successful attack against a dug-in enemy force on high ground along the road. When battle conditions allowed, he organized ammunition details to supply elements of the battalion with ammunition. The attack of the battalion was so successful that only a small group of the enemy remained. This small group was directing accurate and devastating fire on the friendly forces. Locating a light machine gun and crew, Major Perry directed then to a vantage point from which they poured such a deadly volume of fire upon the enemy that the enemy was completely disorganized and routed from its position. The outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty displayed by Major Perry reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.