Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Action Date:

    August 17, 1963

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 18 (May 29, 1964)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Specialist Fourth Class Henry C. Perryman, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a Crew Member of the United States Army Ryukyu Islands Flight Section, on 17 August 1963, over the East China Sea, Naha, Okinawa. While participating in aerial rescue operations following the sinking of a Ryukyuan ferry boat, Specialist Perryman demonstrated complete disregard for his own personal safety in an effort to rescue survivors from the East China Sea. When strong gusty surface winds and heavy sea spray prevented the helicopter pilot from remaining directly over a survivor, Specialist Perryman unhesitatingly climbed from the helicopter cabin onto the landing skid, fastened a rope around the exhausted victim, and pulled him safely into the aircraft. Throughout a 5-hour search operation, he repeatedly exposed himself to danger while assisting in the rescue of seven other survivors from the sea. Then, early on the following morning, he ignored his own personal exhaustion and continued to assist in rescue operations which lasted throughout the day. Specialist Perryman’s fortitude, perseverance, and heroic actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself in the military service.