LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ralph A. Perri for his outstanding mili-
tary service during World War II

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ralph A. Perri
for his outstanding military service during World War II; and
WHEREAS, Born on November 9, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York, Ralph Antho-
ny Perri is the first son born to Anthony and Juliette Perri; he
attended PS 89 and graduated from Erasmus High School; and
WHEREAS, Ralph A. Perri enlisted to proudly serve his country as a
member of the United States Army in September of 1942, and entered into
active service at Fort Jay, New York, on October 8, 1942; and
WHEREAS, A member of the 106th Infantry Signal Corps, Private Ralph
A. Perri was part of the tenacious and heroic group of men who fought at
the Battle of the Bulge at St. Vith in the Ardennes Forest in Belgium;
and
WHEREAS, During this famous battle, Private Ralph A. Perri courageous-
ly volunteered to help construct a line of communication to the 424th
Infantry Regiment while under direct enemy fire; the following morning,
after the communications had been broken, he again proceeded cross-coun-
try, partly through opposition-held territory to lay the same line over
a different route; and
WHEREAS, Private Ralph A. Perri also guarded the radio link station
one mile north of the city of St. Vith, helping to save the station from
an enemy patrol, and allowing valuable equipment to be transported to
the 106th Division Command Post while under constant fire from the oppo-
sition; and
WHEREAS, Upon returning under orders to the rear echelon, Private
Ralph A. Perri was among those trapped by German parachutists and Tiger
tanks; finding himself behind enemy lines in an unfamiliar country where
he did not speak the local Belgian language, he bravely made his way
back through the battlefield to rejoin his unit; and
WHEREAS, Private Ralph A. Perri was honorably discharged from military
service on November 21, 1945; in recognition of his extraordinary
actions, he was presented with the American Service Medal, European-Af-
rican-Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the World
War II Victory Medal, as well as a nomination for a Bronze Star; and
WHEREAS, A kind, generous, and loving husband to Sandra Perri, Ralph
A. Perri is a proud and devoted father and stepfather, as well as the
loving grandfather of 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; he
is also a loyal friend, and a successful local businessman; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Ralph A. Perri has demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ralph A. Perri for his outstanding military service during World
War II; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ralph A. Perri.