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George dedicated himself to the service of his country early in life when, as a young schoolboy, he set attendance at the Military Academy as his first major goal. Born in Detroit, Michigan, George was the son of Colonel and Mrs. George E. Perry II. As an Air Force Brat, he was exposed from childhood to the proud traditions of the Service. Although George was unable to obtain an appointment to West Point upon graduation from Falls Church High School in 1958, his determination did not falter. He enlisted in the Army and earned his appointment to the Class of 1963 after attending the USMA Preparatory School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.</p>
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Beginning with New Cadet Barracks, George was labeled by his classmates as a determined and dedicated individual. He put forth his best effort in whatever he attempted. One could sense the driving force within George as he labored over academics or as he vigorously played Rugby, a sport that he was instrumental in organizing at West Point. His participation in the Catholic Chapel Choir was indicative of the deep and sincere religious feeling which guided his daily life.</p>
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Upon graduation, George was one of the happiest and most satisfied members of the Class. His dream of graduating from the Academy with a commission in the Infantry had become a reality. He departed the Academy with a feeling of accomplishment, ready to put forth his best effort in the Army as he had done for four years at West Point.</p>
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George was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Infantry on 5 June 1963, and attended the Infantry Officers Basic Course and the Airborne and Ranger Courses at Fort Benning. During the Ranger Course, as during other difficult periods, George never lost his enthusiasm or rich sense of humor, frequently cheering and encouraging those about him under even the most miserable of conditions. After Ranger School, he joined the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell in February 1964, and was assigned to the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry. He served as a rifle platoon leader on Joint Exercise DELAWAR in Iran, and on the DESERT STRIKE Exercise in 1964, and was subsequently assigned as the battalion support platoon leader. While stationed at Fort Campbell, George was married to Diane Stuart, who shared his enthusiasm for the military life.</p>
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George rotated to Vietnam with his battalion when it was committed with the 1st Brigade in July of 1965, He served a full one-year tour in Vietnam as the support platoon leader and a rifle company executive officer of his battalion. His feelings about the war were best expressed in a letter he wrote to Diane after a classmate had been killed: “He was a professional soldier. He knew his job—its hazards—and I am sure he did his job well. He believed in the motto we learned so well at school, the motto that is on your ring and mine: DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY. He died for a cause as have many others over here. He gave his life for his country and it was God’s will.”</p>
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As the last few days of George's Vietnam tour approached, he returned to the Brigade base camp at Phan Rang to begin clearing. While he was out-processing, the brigade became heavily engaged with North Vietnamese regulars near Dak To. Many of the units of the Brigade were committed to a series of battles which caused unusually heavy casualties for both sides. An emergency call was sent back to the base camp for all available replacements and volunteers to be sent forward immediately. With the generosity of spirit and dedication to duty that marked George’s life, he volunteered to return to the battlefield. Shortly after George returned to his company, it became engaged in close combat with a North Vietnamese Unit, and George was mortally wounded. For this action, George was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism.</p>
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George's company commander said afterwards, "I have never seen a more dedicated, hard working soldier...Probably, the strongest and most admirable trait that George had was his unquestioned loyalty to the Army and to all those associated with him-seniors, subordinates, and contemporaries alike. This resulted in idolization by the troops, respect from his contemporaries, and a confidence in George by his seniors that was rarely exceeded."</p>
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George was due to be promoted to the rank 0f Captain three days later. In recognition of his devoted service he received a posthumous promotion to Captain. He also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Senior Parachutist Badge, and was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device, the Air Medal and the Purple Heart. The Republic of Vietnam also awarded George the National Order Medal, Fifth Class and the Gallantry Cross with Palm.</p>
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While George was serving in Vietnam, Diane gave birth to George E. Perry IV. Although George never saw his son, he was a proud father, frequently showing his close friends pictures from home and giving them the latest progress reports. He has left behind for his son the memory of a brief but outstanding military career and the finest example of dedication, moral courage, and human understanding.</p>
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George was a devoted friend and husband. He was always ready to give of himself, but never with the intention of receiving something in return. The words of General Douglas MacArthur during his acceptance of the Sylvanus Thayer award apply very aptly to George: "The soldier, above all other men, is required to practice the greatest act of religious training—sacrifice. In battle and in the face of danger and death, he discloses those divine attributes which his Maker gave when He created man in His own image. No physical courage and no brute instinct can take the place of the Divine help which alone can sustain him. However horrible the incidents of war may be, the soldier who is called upon to offer and to give his life for his country is the noblest development of mankind."</p>
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<em>—A friend and classmate</em></p>