Navy Federal Credit Union

William Oliver graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1945. He retired in 1965 as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 24, 1951

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 638 (1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) William Oliver Perry, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as S-3 of the 2d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea, on 24 April 1951. On that date, as the 24th Infantry Division fell back south along the main supply route, it was ambushed by Chinese who had infiltrated from the mountains to the east and set up a roadblock, seven miles south of the parallel. Two Infantry battalion and one artillery battalion of the 5th Regimental Combat Team were cut off. Captain Perry drove up and down the column in his jeep, through small arms and machinegun fire, firing at the enemy with a .45 caliber pistol in each hand, seeking out the friendly company commanders to issue instructions. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Perry, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.