More than 70 years after answering his nation’s call to service during World War II, University of Toledo Professor Emeritus Richard R. Perry will be presented the Soldier’s Medal during a ceremony 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, in Doermann Theater.

A graduate of Waite High School, Perry enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of sergeant.

An accomplished academic who earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from UT, he spent 57 years teaching and serving in various administrative positions at his alma mater.

“It was an interesting twist of fate in which Perry learned that his actions on April 6, 1945, earned him this award,” said Navy Reserve Lt. Haraz N. Ghanbari, UT director of military and veteran affairs. “He risked his life that day to save his comrades, and we look forward to officially recognizing Sergeant Perry for his heroism.”

In addition, the second annual American flag retirement ceremony hosted by the Student Veterans of America UT Chapter is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on the steps outside the Student Union. Ghanbari will speak at the ceremony and share the history of the flag, the proper way to dispose of a flag that is no longer suitable for display, and will preside over the retirement of several American flags from across campus.

For more information, contact Ghanbari at 419.530.VETS (8387).

Media Coverage
WTOL 11 (Nov. 6, 2015)
The Blade (Nov. 6, 2015)
NBC 24 (Nov. 6, 2015)