William T. Perkins Jr.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Thomas Perkins Jr. (August 10, 1947 – October 12, 1967) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the United States' highest military decoration for valor — the Medal of Honor — for his heroic action on October 12, 1967, during the Vietnam War in which he smothered an exploding grenade with his body to save the lives of three fellow Marines. Perkins is the only combat photographer to have received the Medal of Honor.
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
William Thomas Perkins Jr. | |
---|---|
Born | (1947-08-10)August 10, 1947 Rochester, New York |
Died | October 12, 1967(1967-10-12) (aged 20) Hải Lăng District, Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam |
Place of burial | |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1966–1967 |
Rank | Corporal |
Unit | Company C, 1st Battalion 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division |
Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Close