Profiles Spring-Summer 2014 HFDFW

 

Perry enlisted into the U.S.Navy on May 15, 1945. He was soon assigned to the Naval Air Station at Alameda, California. At this time the war was winding down so Perry’s job was to help decommission the base and with getting sailors discharged and back into civilian life. During this time he was promoted to Yeoman 3^rd Class. He was discharged in August 1946 and headed back home to Texas.

In 1947 Perry joined the ROTC in college and after 6 weeks training at Ft. Hood, Texas was commissioned a 2^nd Lieutenant. He began work as a Military Police Officer in the Army Reserve at Ft. Hood. Perry was honorably discharged in 1952.

In 1954 Perry heard that there were openings with the 136^th Tactical Hospital based at Love Field Airport in Dallas, Texas. He was commissioned a 1^st. Lieutenant and became a pharmacy and medical supply officer. He stayed with the unit and the Air Force Reserve for twenty years and retired with the rank of Major in 1987. His most memorable experience was constantly being on standby during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962.

Perry’s awards included the Good Conduct and American Campaign medals. He also received the Air Force Reserve Meritorious, American Defense and the U.S.Navy Service Commemorative medals. Other awards include the Honorable Service Commemorative, the U.S.Armed Forces Retired Service and the Cold War Commemorative medals.