Howard Perrault

Howard Perrault was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Battle of Okinawa.

His award citation reads:
 * The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Howard E. Perrault (MCSN: 430837), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Tank Driver, serving with Company A, Sixth Tank Battalion, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 12 May 1945. Ordered to abandon his tank after it had been immobilized by a Japanese land mine during a coordinated tank-infantry assault, Corporal Perrault remained alert and undaunted as our forces withdrew to a better defensive position under continuous hostile barrages. Coolly appraising the immediate situation, he discovered several wounded infantrymen lying helpless in an exposed area and promptly went to their aid, carrying the casualties to another friendly tank and placing them on the leeward side of the vehicle away from the blasting Japanese guns. Hampered by lack of communication with the tank personnel and perceiving that the only passage open to the rescue tank lay across the hostile field of fire, he resolutely determined to effect the immediate evacuation of the critically wounded Marines despite the hazards and difficulties involved and, concerned only for the safety of his suffering comrades, leaped directly into the path of enemy fire and directed the tank driver by arm and hand signals to move out, bearing the wounded to friendly lines. Although fatally wounded as a result of his self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of others, Corporal Perrault had rendered valiant service in a critical emergency, and his resourceful initiative, stouthearted courage and unwavering devotion to the welfare of his fellow Marines in the face of grave personal danger upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Perrault was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.