World War II Honoree

Virginius B. Perry, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Raleigh, North Carolina

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: First Lieutenant. Served as a Marine Corps Pilot, who flew the F4U Corsair Fighter, and based on the island of Peleliu in the Western Pacific Theater of Operations. He was assigned to the Marine Fighting Squadron, VMF-121 ‘Green Knights’ Marine Aircraft Group-Eleven, Second Marine Aircraft Wing. Reported missing in action, lost at sea Thursday, January 11, 1945 during a night-time mission. His name is permanently inscribed in the tablets of the missing, memorialized at the American Cemetery at Fort William McKinley in Manila, Philippine Islands. In his Memory and Honor, a cenotaph memorial has been placed at the Sunset Hill Cemetery in Littleton, North Carolina. The following decorations were awarded posthumously: Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart. The Distinguished Flying Cross awarded for Heroism or Extraordinary Achievement while participating in aerial flight. This American Patriot was awarded the Purple Heart, for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.