Robert Lee Perry

Private First Class Robert Lee Perry was killed in action on August 24, 1966 in the Boi Loi Forest near Ap Trang Dau, Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  He was 21 years old.

Robert Lee Perry was born on February 7, 1945 in Henderson, North Carolina, the son of Robert Earl Perry and Marie Gill Perry.  He attended Henderson Institute.

PFC Perry served with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment (“Wolfhounds”), 25th Infantry Division (“Tropic Lightning”). The Regiment was deployed to Vietnam in January, 1966 and was based in the Cu Chi region, infamous for its extensive tunnel networks.

On July 19, 1966, soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment conducted a search-and-destroy mission deep inside the infamous Boi Loi Woods, just northwest of Cu Chi, South Vietnam. The Boi Loi had long been a deadly sanctuary for Viet Cong and NVA forces. With its maze of tunnels, booby traps, and hidden strongpoints, the dense forest was one of the most dangerous battle zones in III Corps.  A main force VC battalion launched a devastating ambush, catching the Americans in a brutal, close-quarters firefight. The thick underbrush became a battlefield soaked in sweat, blood, and gunfire. Twenty-four American soldiers were killed in action. 

The 25th Division returned to the Boi Loi Woods for Operation Aiea from August 8 to September 1, 1966. It was reported that PFC Perry died from small arms fire or grenade  near Ap Trang Dau on August 24, 1966. His body was recovered.

Private First Class Robert Lee Perry was awarded the Bronze Star.  He is buried in Mount Olive Baptist Church Cemetery in Vance County, North Carolina.  His name is inscribed on panel 10E, line 033 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. 

Last edited: 8 June 2026