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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain John Perry (NSN: 0-20241), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), during the occupation of the Marianas, strikes against the Bonins, and in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. He directed his ship and air group in an outstanding manner against the enemy accounting for over twenty enemy planes shot down and numerous other planes destroyed on the ground, and several medium ships sunk with numerous others damaged. During this period the enemy air strength was completely destroyed in the Mariana Islands area. The air strength of the enemy carriers was eliminated and the Japanese Fleet driven to home waters. By prompt action and well organized crews directly under his supervision he was able to extinguish a serious flight deck fire on the night of 15 June 1944 without loss of military efficiency to his ship. By exceptional seamanship and skillful handling of his ship on the night of 20 June 1944, he was able to avoid collision with other ships in the formation which were recovering aircraft and conducting rescue activities. His courage and skillful leadership resulted in heavy damages to the enemy and his performance of duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Perry is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Belleau Wood (CVL-24)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01054 (January 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John Perry (NSN: 0-20241), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BELLEAU WOOD (CVL-24), on 25 October 1944. In an engagement with a major detachment of the enemy Fleet the skill, battle organization and aggressiveness of his command contributed in large measure to the decisive defeat of the enemy force. In this action all four of the enemy carriers in the force were sunk and most of the remaining ships were either damaged or destroyed. His personal heroism, professional skill and inspiring example were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    November 29, 1951 – June 18, 1952
    Commander Naval Forces Far East: Serial 18638 (November 30, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral John Perry (NSN: 0-20241), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander Carrier Division FIVE and as Commander Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN during operations against hostile North Korean and Chinese Communist Forces from 29 November 1951 to 28 February 1952, and from 23 April to 18 June 1952, Rear Admiral Perry was in command of a striking force of aircraft carriers, heavy support ships and screening vessels. He displayed a high quality of leadership, initiative and professional skill in directing highly effective air and sea operations against the Communist enemy in Korea. He contributed greatly to the planning and advance preparations for a stepped-up aerial assault which materialized in the summer months of 1952 with coordinated Navy-Air Force strikes against vital hydro-electric plans in North Korea and against the North Korean capital city of Pyongyang. He took full advantage of the mobility of the task force under his command, he conducted successful interdictory operations which resulted in the infliction of heavy casualties upon the enemy and in the destruction of important industrial and supply centers, railway tracks, bridges, transportation junctions and staging points. In addition, he initiated aerial photography of front-line enemy concentrations, resulting in a more effective use of carrier aircraft. Through his outstanding professional skill, sound judgment and tireless devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Perry contributed materially to the success of friendly forces in Korea and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.