Commander Perkinson was the pilot of a patrol bomber, P2V-3 Neptune, from Patrol Squadron 6 (VP-6) at Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan. He was on an intelligence gathering mission over the Sea of Japan on the night of 26 December 1951. His aircraft experienced a runaway propeller and was forced to ditch. He was listed as Missing in Action. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.

Medals, Awards & Badges

Distinguished Flying Cross
Purple Heart
Air Medal with 4 Gold Stars
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Naval Aviator Badge