Leo Perlmutter, a Lakewood resident and former U.S. Marine corporal, was presented with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals by U.S. Representative Chris Smith on March 12, according to an article published on March 18. The medals recognized Perlmutter’s service and injuries during the Vietnam War, specifically his actions during the Tet Offensive in 1968.
The recognition comes nearly six decades after Perlmutter was wounded in combat but never received his medals due to an unexplained delay. The ceremony took place at Smith’s Toms River office, where Smith said, “We are so very grateful for what you did. The fact that you have received these medals is just further recognition of how much respect and honor we need to afford you for that sacrifice.”
Perlmutter recounted being injured by shrapnel from a mortar round during the Tet Offensive. He described how a Navy corpsman noticed his injury and removed metal from his forehead before he returned to fighting. Perlmutter also shared memories of retrieving a North Vietnamese Army flag under fire in Elephant Valley near Da Nang, highlighting the dangers faced daily by Marines during the war.
Smith has represented New Jersey’s 4th district in Congress since replacing Frank Thompson in 1981 according to GovTrack. He has served continuously since then as reported by Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Smith was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953 and currently lives in Manchester Township according to House.gov. He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975 according to The College of New Jersey.
Perlmutter’s story highlights both the sacrifices made by veterans and the importance of recognizing their service, even if belatedly. The full article can be found online at: https://www.app.com/story/news/military/veterans/2026/03/18/lakewood-vietnam-vet-gets-bronze-star-purple-heart-after-58-years/89185878007/
