Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company H, 66th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division "Hell On Wheels", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1943

Awarded for:

Operation Husky

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Norris H. Perkins, II, Captain (Armor), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 3rd Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 July 1943, just North of Canicatti, province of Agrigento in Sicily, Italy.

Captain Perkins, mounted in a tank, was engaging ... and ... anti-tank guns, the enemy at the time having fire superiority. Captain Perkins was engaged in extracting a jammed round from his 75-mm. tank gun when the gun received a direct hit, resulting in breaking and crushing Captain Perkins' left forearm. He and his tank crew left the disabled tank, but he remained on the battlefield directing the operations of his other tanks, on foot and under heavy enemy fire. He did not leave the battlefield until forcibly taken away by a medical officer. This outstanding act of heroism was an inspiration to everyone who saw him, and his actions contributed greatly to the success of his unit in that battle. Captain Perkins' intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Armored Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Seventh U.S. Army, General Orders No. 24 (1943).