He served during World War II and received the second highest military award, the Distinguished Service Cross, for his leadership as the acting commander of the 106th Infantry Division.

After service at various infantry posts, he attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 1933.

In 1942 and 1943, Perrin served as chief of staff in the 76th Infantry Division under command of Major General William R. Schmidt.

Perrin stayed in command until February 1945 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his leadership of the division.

Perrin died at Mercy Hospital in Mount Vernon, Ohio[3] at the age of 68 years after suffering a stroke at his home in Gambier,[4] and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery alongside his wife, Anne Wilby Perrin (1884–1960).