U.S. Congressman Chris Smith presented the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals to U.S. Marine Corporal Leo Perlmutter on Mar. 13, nearly six decades after Perlmutter was wounded during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam.
The ceremony, held at Smith’s Constituent Service Center in Toms River, recognized Perlmutter’s service and sacrifice during a battle in January 1968 when he was struck by shrapnel from enemy mortar rounds. The event highlights ongoing efforts to ensure veterans receive recognition for their military service, even many years later.
“I didn’t even know I was hit,” Perlmutter said about the day he was wounded. “A medic came to treat me. I was bleeding from the head from shrapnel.” Despite qualifying for several medals, including the Purple Heart, Perlmutter never received it until now. Smith told him during the presentation, “You took shrapnel, but thank God, you got through it. You survived.”
Smith expressed regret that it took so long for Perlmutter to receive his medal but emphasized that national gratitude for his bravery has not diminished over time. “We are so very grateful for what you did,” Smith said at the ceremony. “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. Thank you so much.”
Perlmutter shared details of his military service and spoke about his respect for fellow servicemembers. Born in Hamburg, Germany to parents who survived concentration camps before immigrating to America, he volunteered as a Marine when the Vietnam War escalated and later settled in New York City before moving to Lakewood five years ago.
In March 2024, Smith asked the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) director to investigate Perlmutter’s case after previous attempts failed due to lost shipments of medals.
Smith has represented New Jersey’s 4th district since replacing Frank Thompson in 1981 according to official records. He is currently serving in Congress as reported by House.gov. Smith was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953 and lives in Manchester Township according to NJ.com. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from The College of New Jersey in 1975 as noted by TCNJ Magazine.
