December flag flew for Air Force veteran
NEW BEDFORD — During December, the 447th flag to wave atop Old Glory Tower honored the memory of Air Force Airman 1st Class Robert Perry, formerly of Dartmouth, who died July 16, 1957, at age 21.
The son of Manuel and Rosalin Perry, he attended Dartmouth High School and enlisted in the Air Force in July 1953. He received basic training at Sampson Air Force Base in New York.
After a four-year tour of duty, which included service in Japan, he re-enlisted and was stationed at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he served as an engine mechanic.
Shortly after reporting to his new assignment, Perry was killed when he was struck by a car.
One of seven children, his three surviving sisters are Lily Sylvia and Nancy Machado, both of Dartmouth; and Linda Howell of Louden, Tenn. His deceased siblings include Eileen Perry, Richard Perry and William Perry, all formerly of Dartmouth.
Perry's memorial flag was provided by the family to fly at Old Glory Tower in the North End of the city.
The late Joseph Theodore, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, began the practice of flying veterans' flags above Old Glory Tower 36 years ago.
Linda Ferreira, a marketing representative at Ashley Ford in New Bedford, researches the life histories of area veterans, and Paul Neary, general manager of the dealership, raises the memorial flags on the veterans' behalf.