Vern Perz

Last updated Aug 14, 2008

Vernon J. "Vern" Perz

Major United States Marine Corps Retired

1949 - 1973

Major Perz retired from the United States Marine Corps in 1973 after more than twenty-four years of distinguished service.

Known and admired by all for his commitment and passionate dedication to Marine Corps Food Service and the welfare of the individual Marine, his growth and consistent upward mobility are reflected in his duty assignments as follows.

Corporal Perz saw duty as a Cook with the Coastal Survey Team which mapped the coast of Japan following World War II;

Sergeant Perz was assigned to Marine Corps Food Service Schools, Montford Point, Camp Lejeune North Carolina where he served as an Instructor and Senior Instructor;

Staff Sergeant Perz was selected for appointment to the grade of Warrant Officer and attended the first WO Basic Course taught at The Basic Officers School, Quantico, Virginia;

Warrant Officer Perz was assigned to the converted fixed-wing aircraft carrier LPH-5, Helicopter Assault Ship, USS Princeton out of Long Beach, California and served two tours of duty in WEST-PAC and a short tour in MID-PAC during the nuclear testing on Johnson Island.

Warrant Officer Perz devastated the U.S. Navy Food Service Command by becoming the first (and only) United States Marine to win the Navy's coveted "Worlds Best Navy Bean Soup Contest" with entry of his "LPH-5 Navy Bean Soup" recipe.

Selected for LDO, his subsequent assignments carried 2nd Lieutenant Perz to Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, MCAS, El Toro, 1st Mar Div MCB CAM PEN, MCRD San Diego and 1st Mar Div Vietnam.

Following his assignment as Director, Marine Corps Food Service, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Major Perz retired to his home in southern California. Later, moving to Chattanooga Tennessee where he remained for a number of years, he now lives in Salem, South Carolina and spends much of his free time golfing, fishing, gardening and playing Petanque.

Vern is a Founding Member and served as a Director from January 2001 through September 8, 2005.