TFH 10/12: Corporal William T. Perkins, Jr., USMC

William Thomas Perkins, Jr. was born on August 10, 1947 in Rochester, New York. He moved with his family as a child to California, and graduated from James Monroe High School in Sepulveda in 1965. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve on April 27, 1966 and was transitioned to the regular Marine Corps in July of the same year.

After completing boot camp and individual combat training, Perkins was trained as a combat photographer, both on movie and still cameras. He received a promotion to Corporal on August 1, 1967 and was attached to the 1st Marine Division's 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment to record their combat actions during Operation Medina in Vietnam, which began October 10, 1967.

On October 12, 1967, Corporal Perkins showed that regardless of military specialty, all Marines are warriors first. When a grenade landed in his immediate area, he placed his body between the enemy missile and his comrades. He gave his life to save others, and a grateful nation recognized his courage and sacrifice with the Medal of Honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War (M-Z):

*PERKINS, WILLIAM THOMAS, JR.

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 12 October 1967. Entered service at: San Francisco, Calif. Born: 10 August 1947, Rochester, N.Y. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a combat photographer attached to Company C. During Operation MEDINA, a major reconnaissance in force southwest of Quang Tri, Company C made heavy combat contact with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force estimated at from 2 to 3 companies. The focal point of the intense fighting was a helicopter landing zone which was also serving as the Command Post of Company C. In the course of a strong hostile attack, an enemy grenade landed in the immediate area occupied by Cpl. Perkins and 3 other marines. Realizing the inherent danger, he shouted the warning, "Incoming Grenade" to his fellow marines, and in a valiant act of heroism, hurled himself upon the grenade absorbing the impact of the explosion with his body, thereby saving the lives of his comrades at the cost of his life. Through his exceptional courage and inspiring valor in the face of certain death, Cpl. Perkins reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

A childhood friend of Corporal Perkins produced a film about him entitled Above and Beyond: The Story of Cpl William T. Perkins, Jr. He rests in peace at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery, San Fernando, California, and his name appears on Panel 27E, Line 97 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

William T. Perkins, Jr. is the only United States combat photographer to have received the Medal of Honor.

1st Battalion, 1st Marines is still part of the 1st Marine Division. Their normal home is Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California. They are currently assigned as the ground combat element of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and preparing for deployment next year.