Forgotten Legends Series: Dr. Gordon E. Perrigard, MD

 

Dr. Gordon E. Perrigard was a medical officer in the United States military during World War II who was also trained in hand-to-hand combat. He was a strong advocate for the importance of such training for soldiers, believing it could give them an advantage in close-quarters combat situations.

Perrigard learned various hand-to-hand combat techniques in the military, including boxing, wrestling, and judo. He believed that a combination of these disciplines was necessary to be effective in a real-life fight. In addition to physical training, Perrigard also emphasized the importance of mental preparation and the will to win in hand-to-hand combat.

Perrigard's views on hand-to-hand combat were not universally accepted, and he faced criticism from some quarters for advocating for such training. However, he remained a strong advocate for its importance, and his views eventually gained acceptance within the military.

Perrigard's efforts to promote hand-to-hand combat training were not limited to the military. He also wrote articles and gave lectures on the subject to civilian audiences, hoping to spread his belief in the importance of such training to a broader audience.

In addition to his work in hand-to-hand combat, Perrigard was also a respected medical officer, serving with distinction during World War II. He received numerous accolades for his service, including the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit.

Perrigard's contributions to the field of hand-to-hand combat have had a lasting impact, and his views on the importance of such training are still widely respected today. His work continues to be studied by military personnel and martial arts practitioners worldwide, and he is remembered as a pioneer in hand-to-hand combat.