World War II Honoree

John Wesley Perry

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Raleigh, North Carolina

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Corporal. Inducted into the United States Marine Corps September 12, 1938 and received his Basic Combat Infantry Training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Served as a Rifleman with Hotel Company, 3rd Battalion, 29th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine ‘Striking Sixth’ Division. Participated in the Battle of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands (Battle Dates: Easter Sunday, April 1–June 22, 1945) Code Name: Operation Iceberg. Friday, June 8, 1945 he was Killed in Action and buried in the Sixth Marine Division Battlefield Cemetery on Okinawa. The eighty day battle has been described as ‘The Typhoon of Steel’ and became the largest amphibious assault of World War II. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, his remains were returned to his country and family, with interment in the Raleigh National Cemetery, Raleigh, North Carolina on April 14, 1949. Decorations and Citations: Navy Cross and Purple Heart. The Navy Cross was awarded posthumously for extraordinary heroism and outstanding courage during action against Japanese Imperial Forces on Okinawa. This Marine, an American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, who so gallantly gave his life for his country.