Ruso H. Perkins Papers

Collection

Identifier: TMD338

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Collection contains correspondence (1945), 20th reunion materials: essay, correspondence (n.d.); clippings (1971-2004); Senator Robert Dole clippings, correspondence (1982-1986); local reunions: clippings, brochures, programs (1988, 1991, 1992, 2004); memoirs, note (2005); ephemera (n.d.).

Dates

1945-2005

Creator

Perkins, Ruso H.(Ruso Hoffman), 1914-2008. (Person)
Perkins, Ruso D., (Person)

Language of Materials

Material is in English unless otherwise noted.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from material in the collection should be discussed with the appropriate librarian or archivist. Permission for publication may be given on behalf of the Denver Public Library as the owner of the physical item. It is not intended to include or permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained by the customer. The imply Library does not assume any responsibility for infringement of copyright or publication rights of the manuscript held by the writer, heirs, donors, or executors. Reproduction restrictions are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Biographical / Historical

Ruso Hoffman Perkins was born September 10, 1914 at New Berlin, New York, the son of Byron R. and Marguerite M. Perkins. He graduated from New Berlin High School in 1932 and attended Mohawk Valley Community College. He was a former Scoutmaster and member of the Boy Scouts of America. On April 6, 1942 in Schenectady, he married Jean Lois Kamerer. They had two children, Ruso Donald and Andrea Lynne.

Perkins enlisted in the Army on April 20, 1942 at Fort Niagara, New York and received his basic training at Camp Roberts California. He joined what would become the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Lewis, Washington where he was assigned to the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment. Perkins participated in the landings on Kiska Island on August 15, 1943 and remained as part of the occupation force until December 1943. He trained at Camp Hale, Colorado and Camp Swift, Texas. During combat operations in Italy, Perkins received the Bronze Star Medal for his actions during the Apennines and Po River battles.

Ruso Perkins retired in 1977 as Vice President of Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, where he had worked for 42 years. He was a former warden and vestryman of St. Andrew’s Church. He was affiliated with Phoebus Lodge #82 of the Masons and was treasurer for 17 years. He was also a charter member of the Hard Core Ski Club in New Berlin and was a member of the Leatherstocking Golf Club of Cooperstown and Riverbend Golf Club. He was trustee of the New Berlin Library for 36 years.

Perkins was a member of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division and the International Federation of Mountain Soldiers. He served as treasurer of the Upstate New York Chapter of the National Association.

He passed away on July 2, 2008 at Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin after a brief illness. He is buried at Saint Andrews Cemetery, New Berlin