The life and times of Marvin J. Perrett: portrait of a World War II Higgins boat coxswain

Coast Guard Magazine, Jan, 2005 by NyxoLyno Cangemi

From delivering troops to the beaches of Normandy and Okinawa, to witnessing the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi in Iwo Jima, Marvin Perrett has shared his life's story with America on his role as a Coast Guard Higgins boat LCVP coxswain.

An advocate for educating America on the Coast Guard's role during World War II, Perrett has been featured on CNN Headline News, "Oliver North's War Stories" and The History Channel's "Mail Call with R. Lee Ermey." But despite his national recognition, his greatest joy is in sharing his story with children.

"Like most veterans, I never told anyone my story," Perrett said. "Over the years, I began to realize that someone had to talk about their experience because the children in our schools need to hear the story of their country first hand."

Ronald Abboud, a dear friend of Perrett and volunteer at the National D-Day Museum in New Orleans said, "It's rare to find World War II veterans who speak out about their role in the war, and Marvin is the exception."

Traveling the country in his 10-passenger conversion van, complete with satellite radio, television and convertible bed, Perrett spends his days traveling to schools and talking to groups of children. Carrying a suite of war memorabilia with him, Perrett gives his presentations with the energy and exuberance typically found in the children he teaches, all the while dressed in the World War II-era uniform he is rarely seen without (he shops for groceries and even does house work in his uniform).

Fortunately, Perrett's work has not gone unnoticed. On Oct. 10, the New Orleans Chapter of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Association, on behalf of the Hampton Roads, Va., chapter, appointed Perrett an honorary chief, an advancement from Boatswains Mate 2nd Class. Additionally, Perrett attended the 60th anniversary D-Day invasion commemoration ceremony in Normandy, as a guest of Patrick Rolot, consul general for France. There, Perrett was awarded a Knight of the Legion of Honor medal, France's most prestigious award for feats of military victory and bravery. Of the 100 recipients, Perrett was one of two Coast Guardsmen to receive the coveted award.

More recently, Perrett received a Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award on Nov. 16, the highest honor the Coast Guard can bestow upon a civilian.

"I was in Pittsburgh visiting schools and lecturing students on my military service," Perrett said. "When I had finished my business, I went to Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Pittsburgh to address the commanders and their unit. When I arrived, Rear Adm. Robert Duncan from the 8th Coast Guard District and Rear Adm. Joel Whitehead from Coast Guard Headquarters emerged from closed doors and bestowed upon me the award, which I cherish dearly."

"Marvin Perrett is truly a national treasure," says Duncan, commander of the 8th Coast Guard District. "Aside from being a part of the Coast Guard's greatest generation, he has continued to shine as an example, to today's generation and to the youth of our nation, on what sacrifice, dedication and true heroism really mean. He has been an inspiration to us all."

It's an early Saturday morning in July 2004, and Perrett is standing in the lobby of a Metairie, La., Holiday Inn awaiting the arrival of a Texas-based ABC film crew that is doing a documentary on World War II veterans. Seizing the opportunity, as he so often does, Perrett takes the time to give a brief synopsis of his life to the desk clerk. All the while, gathering in the lobby is a group of high school cheerleaders who are in town for a cheerleading competition. Without hesitation Perrett excuses himself from the desk clerk and approaches the young ladies with his duffel bag in tow. He reaches into his bag and pulls out a stack of flyers that illustrate his story in brief. Handing them out to the cheerleaders, he begins the story he has told to so many before ... the story of his life.

Perrett was born on Sept. 17, 1925, in New Orleans and is the adopted son of J.N. and Alice Perrett, brother of J.N., Jr. and Judy, and father to Melissa.

"I was just 17 years old when I dropped out of Warren Easton High School and presented myself to the Navy recruiter in New Orleans," said Perrett. "I was turned away because the recruiter stated they had already met their quota for the day; however, the recruiter suggested I try joining the Coast Guard. Like most people I didn't know what the Coast Guard was, but I felt the need to answer the call of service as so many people did at the time. I arrived at the Coast Guard recruiting office at 146 Barrone Street in New Orleans at 9 a.m. They processed me all day, and at 5 p.m., one day before my 18th birthday, I was told to raise my right hand and was sworn in as the newest member of the Coast Guard."

Growing up in the New Orleans area, Perrett was well aware of Higgins Industries Inc., a boat manufacturer that produced 8,865 landing craft, approximately 92 percent of the Navy's World War II combat motorboat fleet, according to HigginsBoat.org.