Jack L Perry

Our community sadly lost a hero on Monday, December 12, 2022 when Jack L. Perry passed away from natural causes. Jack was born September 27th, 1934 in Ravinscroft, TN. He was the youngest American POW in the Korean War. At the age of 15, Jack falsified his age in order to enlist with US Army in August of 1949. His older brothers were already enlisted and he couldn't just stay back. After nearly a year and 10 major battles, he was within three days of being eligible to go home, but 15 miles behind enemy lines. Eventually surrounded and without any ammunition, Jack and the other soldiers of the 5th Regimental Combat Team were captured April 23, 1951. He was released October 15, 1953. He spent over 28 months as a POW. He was awarded 7 Bronze Stars, the United States Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and the United Service Medal for his service.

Jack was very involved in local and national EX-POW and Veterans associations. He held numerous titles and positions with the Korean War EX-POW Association as well as local positions with Dayton Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War Organization. He was instrumental in the creation of the Ohio Korean War Veterans Memorial in Dayton, OH. He also was involved with various local veteran organizations such as the American Legion and VFW. Jack was also invited in 1985 to the White House by President Reagan for a ceremony to introduce the newly instituted Prisoner of War Medal.

He is survived by his brother Chuck (Wanda) Perry, 3 sons: Michael Perry, Timothy (Erin) Perry and Todd Perry, 7 grandchildren: Danielle Ely, Jessica Vasey, Taylor Handley, Spencer Perry, Jake Perry, Mitch Perry and Grace Perry and 3 Great Grandchildren: Chailyn Ely, Paul Ely and Raegan Handley and numerous Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles J. and Sadie Mae (Burgess) Perry, his brothers Buck Perry and Jim Perry and his nephew Bob Perry.

His ashes will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.