Howard Perrault
Encyclopedia
Howard Perrault was a Corporal
in the United States Marine Corps
during World War II
. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
for his actions during the Battle of Okinawa
.
His award citation reads:
Perrault was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
.
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
in the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for his actions during the Battle of Okinawa
Battle of Okinawa
The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg, was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945...
.
His award citation reads:
- The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Howard E. Perrault (MCSN: 430837), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Tank Driver, serving with Company A, Sixth Tank Battalion, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 12 May 1945. Ordered to abandon his tank after it had been immobilized by a Japanese land mine during a coordinated tank-infantry assault, Corporal Perrault remained alert and undaunted as our forces withdrew to a better defensive position under continuous hostile barrages. Coolly appraising the immediate situation, he discovered several wounded infantrymen lying helpless in an exposed area and promptly went to their aid, carrying the casualties to another friendly tank and placing them on the leeward side of the vehicle away from the blasting Japanese guns. Hampered by lack of communication with the tank personnel and perceiving that the only passage open to the rescue tank lay across the hostile field of fire, he resolutely determined to effect the immediate evacuation of the critically wounded Marines despite the hazards and difficulties involved and, concerned only for the safety of his suffering comrades, leaped directly into the path of enemy fire and directed the tank driver by arm and hand signals to move out, bearing the wounded to friendly lines. Although fatally wounded as a result of his self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of others, Corporal Perrault had rendered valiant service in a critical emergency, and his resourceful initiative, stouthearted courage and unwavering devotion to the welfare of his fellow Marines in the face of grave personal danger upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Perrault was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, the 28th most populous city in the United States and 39th most populous region in the United States. It is the county seat of Milwaukee County and is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. According to 2010 census data, the...
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