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<em>Henry Pratt Perkine</em>, “Hen”, the son of Captain and Mrs. Henry P. Perrine, was born at Trenton, New Jersey, on 22 July 1891. His early education was received in the schools of his native city. Receiving his appointment to the Military Academy from the United States at Large, he entered the National Preparatory School, at Highland Falls, New York to prepare for the examination. Being successful in his quest he entered the Academy on March 1, 1909, with the Class of 1913.</p>
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As a cadet Henry was much admired for his fine mind as well as for his easy going ways. He was the fount of all knowledge regarding baseball, the scores, the players, as well as the standings of the teams. This faculty carried over into other sports. He never had any serious difficulties with the Academic Departments and was content to be around the middle of the Class, academically.</p>
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On graduation in June 1913 he was assigned to the 14th Infantry at Fort George Wright, Washington, accompanied that regiment to Alaska in June 1914, and arrived back in the States in October 1917. In March 1918 he was assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as an instructor in the School of Arms, and from there went to Fort Benning when the school was transferred in October. Then followed tours of duty at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, and with the National Guard of New Jersey. This latter post he held until 1929, when he was ordered to the Harvard Graduate School of Business, from which he was graduated in 1931. Then followed another tour with the National Guard and duty as Commanding Officer of the 34th Infantry, at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.</p>
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In World War II Henry was identified with the rapid expansion and growth of Fort Benning. He was Secretary and, later, Executive Officer of that great school until 1943, when he took command of the Brigade of School Troops and received his star. It appears from reading the records of his many commendations by his superiors that he was given much credit for the fine Infantry officers who were graduated from that great school, and who were such important factors in winning battles on many fronts in World War II. The school, under him, grew from under 1,000 to 17,000 officers and men.</p>
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After hostilities had ceased Henry was able to get away from his training assignments and went to Europe with the Third Army, then on occupation duty, in which he commanded the U. S. Constabulary in 1946 and 1947. In 1947 he took command of the Military Post of Heidelberg. For his outstanding services he was awarded the Legion of Merit.</p>
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The official comments of his superior officers were all of the highest. Often were found such remarks as “fine judgment; quick; self-contained; zealous; very stable officer; widely informed officer; painstaking in his work; plans well in advance; industrious; able to take any job; great physical endurance” etc., etc.</p>
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On returning to the U.S. he served as Deputy Post C.O. of Fort Totten, New York, until his retirement for physical disability in 1951. He decided to make Springfield, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, his home, and bought a house there. Then began a series of bouts with the doctors, which ended with his death at Valley Forge Hospital on December 20, 1953.</p>
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His wife, Florence, survives him, as do his children: Mrs. C. R. Daueker of Towson, Maryland; Henry P., Jr., a senior at Virginia Military Institute: and David P., now a Second Classman at the U. S. Military Academy.</p>
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We know this—his race “was well run”—that, as the sun got low in the West, Henry could look back on his years of service as having kept faith with himself, the Corps, and his Class. We shall miss him, until we join him. He loved West Point and his classmates—he did honor to all.</p>
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<em>—Joe Viner and Doug Greene</em></p>
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