A Thank-You from My 1st Cavalry Trooper

Many (most, I hope) of you saw my Veteran’s Day article about the heroism of Mike Perry, when the pilot of his “Little Bird” scout helicopter was shot in Vietnam. For those who have not seen it, the original post is here. A quick (partial) summary is that Mike saved the day with some pretty unprecedented actions that likely saved both his and the pilot’s lives. A few days later Mike was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross by a general officer in an “impact award” ceremony without waiting for the formal paperwork to be finalized. Despite the fact that two generals attended the award ceremony and approved the award in 1971, years later Army bureaucrats in D.C. took it upon themselves to decide that Mike’s actions that day did not merit a DFC and refused to correct his military record, which did not reflect the award due to lost paperwork.

In my article I asked readers to append a comment to Mike, just to let him know what others thought about his actions back in 1971, even though faceless “public servants” thousands of miles and 50+ years removed from the gunfire that day, had made a bad decision. Many readers did respond with supportive comments. This one from another 1st Cavalry veteran is typical:

“Mike, speaking for every Trooper I led or commanded in A/2-5 Cav, 3rd Bde, 1st Cav Div (Aug ‘70 - Mar ‘72) – plus no doubt many hundreds who served before us – I salute you for your valor on 7/27/71. Moreover, I ask that you accept our profound gratitude … for it could have been my rifle company you were supporting that day. We were routine beneficiaries of your 9th Cav’s conspicuous brand of gallantry. You and your mates doubtless saved many of our lives by responding in minutes with the decisive edge in scores of firefights, most of them in or near NVA bunker complexes. Since you’re an authentic warrior you already know what the REMFs think is of little consequence … as opposed to your comrades-in-arms’ opinions. Thank you, Sir. We shall remember you.”

I want to let everyone know that Mike read and was very moved by all the comments. He asked me to give everyone a big “Thank you!” from him. I hereby discharge that duty and add my own “Thank-you” to everyone.