|
NOEL SANDERS PERRIN’S quest to follow his father in a military career with the Air Force ended tragically in an accident while Noel was a cadet. The USMA Class of 1930 class child, Noel was the first male child born to a graduate in the class. His father, Edwin S. Perrin, graduated with the Class of 1930 and within several days of graduation married Lorraine Boon of Newark, NJ. The elder Perrin’s first assignment was to flight training in Texas, where Noel was born 24 Jul 1931. Several months later, the family moved to March Field, CA, where Noel’s sister, Jane, was born on 2 Dec 1932. Noel and Jane enjoyed a close relationship throughout Noel’s life, and, as a cadet, Noel proudly told his classmates how attractive his sister was.
In 1935, the Perrin family moved to Wright Field, OH, where they remained until 1942. While in Ohio, one of Noel’s and Jane’s playmates was Eddie White, who later became famous as an astronaut. Noel’s father was next assigned to Egypt, but the family remained in Ohio. Moves from Egypt to Java and Australia came rapidly, and in 1942, Edwin Perrin’s promotion to brigadier general made him the youngest general officer in the Army. When he returned to the United States, the family moved to Palo Alto, CA. Lorraine Perrin and the children remained in the Palo Alto area while BG Perrin made eleven changes of station in three hectic war years. Noel’s father died at Wright Field on 17 Nov 1946 from complications of dengue fever and malaria contracted in his tropical assignments.
Noel attended the Palo Alto Military Academy from 1943 to 1946. The Superintendent, COL Kelly, described Noel as “one of the leading students, as well as a leader in sports.” Noel next attended the Montezuma School, where Mr. E.A. Rogers, school president, characterized Noel as “a consistently good student, attaining A and B grades. He is a boy of fine character and is president of the student body.” While attending the Montezuma School, Noel participated in track, basketball, riding, and played football as first string end.
One of Noel’s favorite activities was horseback riding. Noel and Jane were befriended by Joe Greer, who was a grandfather figure for them. Joe taught Noel and Jane how to ride horses and how to feed and care for them. He also helped Noel find summer employment on a ranch. Eventually, Noel became proficient in rodeo events and won numerous ribbons. The income from his summer jobs and working in the Montezuma School dining room helped defray Noel’s school expenses and also helped him develop a good work ethic.
In June 1949, after graduating from high school, Noel enrolled at Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA, where he excelled in academics. Concurrently, he was attempting to obtain an appointment to USMA. COL Howard McCoy, USAF, a classmate of Noel’s father, took an active role in the quest for an appointment. In a letter to the USMA Academic Board, COL McCoy stressed Noel’s “burning ambition for an officer career” and of his “exceptional fitness to be a cadet.” Another family friend, GEN H.H. Arnold, USAF, wrote in a letter of recommendation, “Not only have I known Noel himself for many years, but I knew his father well, the late BG E. Perrin. . . . The boy has not only proved himself a credit to . . . a fine background, but . . . he gives every indication he will [accomplish much] through his own efforts.”
Noel was successful in obtaining an appointment to USMA from the Honorable Chet Holifield of the 19th Congressional District of California, and he entered USMA on 5 Jul 1950. Classmates recall Noel as a very cheerful, upbeat person who made friends easily. With moderate effort, he ranked in the middle of his class academically. Noel enjoyed jazz music, and when he made infrequent trips to New York City, Noel visited Leon and Eddie’s, where his friend, jazz musician Eddie Condon, performed. After these visits to the city, Noel always returned to West Point in high spirits.
Noel was also in high spirits when he departed West Point on Christmas leave in December 1951. After an enjoyable visit at home in California, Noel joined 18 other cadets at Hamilton Air Force Base, CA, for the return flight to Stewart Air Force Base. Because of navigation problems and inclement weather, the C-47 carrying 28 people (19 cadets) crashed on Armer Peak of the Superstition Mountains about sixty miles northeast of Phoenix, AZ, at 2:38 PM, 30 Dec 1951. All aboard perished, including Noel, his roommate, and eight other members of the Class of 1954.
In USMA General Orders Number 5, published on 5 Jan 1952 as an Announcement of Death, MG F.A. Irving, Superintendent stated:
While at the United States Military Academy, Cadet Perrin was conscientious in his studies, attaining proficiency in all subjects. In addition to the fulfillment of his academic duties, Cadet Perrin had participated actively in the intramural sports of swimming, football and cross country. During his High School attendance he was editor of the Montezuma High School Paper and Class President in his senior year.
Throughout his cadetship at West Point, Cadet Perrin was a most popular and highly regarded member of his class. He at all times justified his appointment to the United States Military Academy and was in all respects a credit to the Corps of Cadets.
Noel Perrin was buried in the Golden Gate National Cemetery on 8 Jan 1952 beside his father. Noel’s mother, Lorraine Boon Perrin, was buried with her husband and son on 3 Jun 1997.
Noel will be remembered as a man of great potential. His family and classmates are grateful for the shared experiences and cherished memories of his short life.
— Noel’s sister and a classmate
|
