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 Private First Class James G. Perlmutter (ASN: US-51613191), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 December 1967. On this date, at approximately 1600 hours, a fire started in the ammunition supply point at the Lai Khe Base Camp. A series of massive explosions ensued, causing numerous casualties and creating mass disorder in the entire area. Upon hearing of the disaster, Private First Class Perlmutter and several others boarded a nearby armored personnel carrier and made their way to the ammunition supply point. Ignoring the danger of constantly exploding rounds, the group moved into the center of the area. Private First Class Perlmutter, spotting two casualties, jumped from the vehicle and, without regard for his own personal safety, assisted in moving the two wounded men out of the area to a waiting ambulance. After leaving the casualties, he continued to move his vehicle from bunker to bunker evacuating personnel trapped by the continually exploding rounds. During this time, he was constantly exposed to exploding rounds and flying shrapnel. Private First Class Perlmutter’s actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel James G. Perlmutter (ASN: US-51613191), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel James G. Perlmutter (ASN: US-51613191), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Specialist Fifth ClassBatallion:
2d Battalion (Mechanized)Regiment:
2d Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 18, 1968
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 7069 (July 20, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fifth Class James G. Perlmutter (ASN: US-51613191), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 February 1968, Specialist Perlmutter was serving as the Senior Medical Aidman with a mechanized infantry platoon, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 2d Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on a mission to secure a convoy moving on Highway 13 between Di An and Ben Cat. As the convoy was nearing the abandoned village of Cau Dinh, it was suddenly subjected to intensive automatic weapons, machinegun, and rocket fire from a reinforced North Vietnamese heavy weapons company which was entrenched in the village. Several casualties were sustained by the friendly forces during the initial enemy contact. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Perlmutter exposed himself to the hostile fire as he moved from one casualty to another, treating the men and supervising their evacuation. For the first five hours of the battle, he supervised the transportation of casualties to the landing zone. When reinforcements arrived, the friendly forces assaulted the enemy’s fortified positions and two armored personnel carriers became disabled by hostile fire. Specialist Perlmutter moved his vehicle through the hail of hostile rounds to the two inoperative vehicles, and then carried several wounded personnel to a relatively protected position. While treating the wounded, he frequently fired at the insurgents in order to protect the casualties. Specialist Perlmutter moved to within 50 meters of the hostile positions and accounted for several of the 84 enemy killed during the encounter. His courageous perseverance, professional skill, and selfless determination to aid his comrades were responsible for saving several American lives. Specialist Fifth Class Perlmutter’s unquestionable valor while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an insurgent force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.