Sgt Charles R. Perry jumped with the para-drop of supplies for the French Resistance on August 1st 1944. However, his parachute failed to open and plunged him to his death.
From Find a Grave:
Sgt Perry served with the OSS behind German Lines in France during "The Great Parachute Drop".
He is the only Marine who forever rests at the Rhone American Cemetery.
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Signed SEP 26 1946 The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to SERGEANT CHARLES R. PERRY, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations Ln German occupied territory, on 1 August 1944. Volunteering for the extremely hazardous duty of entering enemy-controlled territory for the purpose of serving as weapons instructor to resistance groups located in the Savoie Department of France, Sergeant Perry, with the full knowledge that he was undertaking additional risks Ln accompanying an officer who was known to the Gestapo because of his former resistance activities, courageously initiated his perilous mission by being parachuted from one of the seventy-two Flying Fortresses flying in formation at high speed. Although killed instantly in the jump, Sergeant Perry, by his resoluteness of purpose and fearless determination to serve despite all danger, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
For the President, JAMES FORRESTAL Secretary of the Navy SSM w/perm cit & CMC ltr presented to Mrs. Eva J. Perry, at a formal ceremony on 13Dec46 held at MB, USNB, Boston, Mass.
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THE U.S. MARINE WHO SERVED WITH THE OSS BEHIND GERMAN LINES IN FRANCE AND THE STORY OF "THE GREAT PARACHUTE DROP"
During the turbulent war years of 1943-1944, the regions of Haute Savoie and the Vercors Plateau were considered as strongholds and would play a key role for the Allied cause in combating Nazi German military. Rising some 3,000 feet above sea level, the plateau measured some 30 miles long and some 12 miles wide. The reason for its strategic importance was its 3,000 French freedom fighters called the "Maquis." Both the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and the American Officer of Strategic Services (OSS) kept a close eye on all activities involving this clandestine group.
On 6 January 1944, a trio of Allied military personnel parachuted into the area. Their assignment was to observe and gather information on the French freedom fighters. The operations code name was "UNION I." It was soon discovered that the freedom fighters were willing to fight; however, they lacked the necessary equipment to continue fighting against Nazi Germany. In the spring, "UNION I" was withdrawn.
Due to the plateau's strategic importance, another secret mission was established, code named "UNION II." Unlike the first mission, which was to strictly observe the freedom fighters, this mission called for direct confrontation with German combat units.
Back in England a joint British-American parachute school had been established, it was called an STS (Secret Training School). It was there that the British SOE (Special Operations Executive) trained agents to jump into German-occupied Europe. Most were French, although almost every European nationality was represented at one time or another, and of course Americans and it was through these doors that in November 1943 walked 8 US Marines – one of which was Charles Perry. At the end of their training they managed to get a 72 hour pass, and they hit the town. During these 72 hours they ran into Marine Major Peter J. Ortiz, who had participated in "UNION I". Ortiz casually asked them what they were doing in London and followed up with, "Want to do something exciting?" Within days Charles and his buddies were back at the headquarters of the SOE, planning for Union II, Marine Operational Group. The team consisted of Ortiz, Army Air Corps Captain Frank Coolidge (who served with Ortiz in the French Foreign Legion), LaSalle, Bodnar, Brunner, Risler and a Free French officer, Joseph Arcelin (code name Jo-Jo), and of course Charles Perry.
Their objective was the Vercors Plateau in the Haute Savoie region of southeastern France, where there was a large force of Maquis, French Resistance fighters. It was a natural fortress, broken up by deep gorges and a series of long, high ridges. Few roads traversed the mountains, making it easier to defend against road-bound armor and mechanized infantry.
A picture taken of the surviving members several days after Union II included a large supply drop, using almost 80 B-17s of the 388th Heavy Bombardment Group. The Flying Fortresses carried approximately 900 Type C cargo containers packed with weapons, ammunition, explosives, medical supplies, clothing and rations.
On 1 Aug. 1944, they attended the aircrew briefing and then boarded the aircraft. Each man flew in a separate plane. At 14:00 the planes reached their target and began dropping their precious cargo.
Sgt Perry's parachute failed, his steel static line snapped six inches from the drogue and, without a reserve, and there was nothing he could do to save himself.
The next morning, Sgt Perry was buried with full military honors. An altar of packing cylinders, decorated with red, white and blue parachutes, was erected as a bier for the coffin. Several dignitaries spoke of the "soldier who came from far way America to help us in the liberation of our country." Local women had painstakingly sewn a homemade American flag which was buried with him. -------------------------