Early Life
Perry was born in Logan, Utah, to Leslie Thomas Perry and his wife, Elsie Nora Sonne. Perry, Utah is named for the Perry's ancestor, Gustavus Adolphus Perry and his family, who were among the first settlers in that area.
From the time of Perry's birth until he was eighteen, his father was bishop of their LDS ward in Logan. From 1942-1944, Perry served as a LDS missionary in the Northern States Mission, headquartered in Chicago. After returning from his mission he joined the United States Marines and was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division. Perry was part of the American landing forces on Saipan and remained there for about a year. While there he participated in the construction of an LDS Chapel on the island. He was among the United States troops sent to occupy Japan after the war. While in Nagasaki, Perry coordinated a group of Marines to help rebuild a local Protestant church.
Read more about this topic: L. Tom Perry
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