Herman Perry

Herman Perry
Major Earl O. Cullum (left) and Capt. Joseph J. Armand (right) with Herman Perry (center) after the manhunt
Born(1922-05-16)May 16, 1922
DiedMarch 15, 1945(1945-03-15) (aged 22)
Ledo Stockade, Ledo, British India
Cause of deathExecution by hanging
Other namesJungle King
Criminal statusExecuted
Children1
Conviction(s)Premeditated murder
Desertion
Criminal penaltyDeath
Details
VictimsLieutenant Harold Cady, 28
DateMarch 3, 1944
Location(s)Assam, British India
WeaponsM1 carbine
Date apprehended
March 9, 1945

Herman Perry (May 16, 1922 – March 15, 1945) was an African-American U.S. Army soldier during World War II, who deserted after fragging an unarmed white lieutenant attempting to arrest him. After being sentenced to death, he escaped custody, and a manhunt was launched while he lived in the jungle. Perry was eventually recaptured once more and court-martialed. He was hanged for murder and desertion, making him the only American soldier executed in the China Burma India Theater during World War II.[1]

  1. ^ Koerner, Brendan I. 'Now the Hell Will Start: One Soldier's Flight from the Greatest Manhunt of World War II'. New York: Penguin Press, 2008: 142. ISBN 978-1-59420-173-8