Jake Perdue

Submitted by: Hugh Sullivan {Grandson-in-law}

Jake Perdue was born around 1900. Jake Perdue served in World War 1 with the United States Army. The enlistment was in 1917 and the service was completed in 1919.

Story of Service

 

Jake was my wife's grandfather. His full name was Jake Perdue. His service number was 980508 (or possibly 960508) He served during WWI in Company B, 167 U.S. Infantry. I think he was born in Pineapple, Alabama but I am not sure. The story he related to me with regards to his service in France during WWI is as follows.

He was inducted in Mobile, Alabama and deployed to France from N.Y. He told me a story about his trip over on a ship. He remembered that they slept in hammocks. He remembered that a fellow solider asked him to loan him $5.00 so that he could play in a poker game. Jake loaned him the money and was repaid $6.00 about five hours later.

The day he was wounded they were attacking from their trench and he was injured by an explosive round. He lay on the field of battle all night and his left leg was laying beside him. It was very cold and he thinks that kept him from bleeding to death. The following day during a cease fire medics came on the filed to collect the dead. As they were approaching him he asked that they not forget to bring his leg. He said he scared them when he spoke because they thought he was dead.

He was evacuated to a hospital in France and after a couple of months was sent back to N.Y. aboard a ship. He spent a few weeks in N.Y. and then was sent, by train, to New Orleans, La. where he stayed for about four months and then he was discharged due to his wounds. I have seen his legs and his buttocks and it is amazing to me that he can even stand, much less walk. He died in 1999 at the ripe old age of 99. He was a wonderful individual and I am proud to have known him.