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SSG Jerry Dennis
to remember
Aldrich, Perry Henry, 1LT.
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Details Behind Award
Last Known Activity 1st Lt. Perry Aldrich was an Agriculture Teacher in Waterbury, Vermont when he was required to register for the draft in June 1917.
In France, he served with the 135th Aero Squadron, Observation Group 4th AC, AEF. He died of his wounds received in aerial combat on 29 October 1918.
See page 285 in citation;
Name: Aldrich, Perry H. Rank: First Lieutenant Position: Air Service Observer, 135th Aero Squadron: Awarded Distinguished Service Cross for heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy since Apr 6, 1917.
"Perry H. Aldrich, 1st Lieutenant, Air Service Observer 135th Aero Squadron. For extraordinary heroism in action near St. Mihiel, France, October 29, 1918. He as an observer, with 1st Lieutenant E. C. Landen, volunteered and went on an important mission for the corps commander without the unusual protection. Forced to fly at an altitude of 1000 meters because of poor visibility soon after crossing the line they encountered an enemy Rumpler plane and force it to the ground. On returning, they attacked another Rumpler and drove it off. After completing their mission and seeing an enemy observation tower on Lake Lachaussee, they re-entered enemy territory and fired upon it. Immediately attacked by seven enemy planes (Fokker type), a combat followed, in which Lieutenant Aldrich was mortally wounded."
Emergency Address: Reverend Leonard Alrich, father, Pearl Street, Essex Junction, Vermont.
Resident at appointment: Pearl Street, Essex Junction, Vermont.
He was interred in Greenmount Cemetery, Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont.
Comments/Citation
Source: Vermont in the World War, 1917-1919
Printed by Legislative Authority of Vermont, 1919 Session
John T. Cushing, Arthur F. Stone, Editors
Captain Harold P. Sheldon, Military Historian
759 pages, with photos of prominent military men from Vermont
