Perry L. "Lin" Shuman, 83, a Marine Corps Colonel and pilot who retired in 1967 and then worked as a cost engineer, died August 4, 2002, at his home in Reston, Virginia. He had Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Colonel Shuman was a World War II ace who flew over the Pacific, Japan and China with the Wildcat squadron, the highest-scoring Marine Corps squadron during the war. He served in Korea during the conflict there. He was later naval attache in Indonesia and was posted to Japan.

His honors included two awards of the Legion of Merit, nine Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star and 19 Air Medals.

Colonel Shuman was born in Race Pond, Georgia. He attended what is now Indiana University. Later, he received bachelor's and master's degrees in aeronautical engineering through the auspices of the Institute for Defense Analyses.

In Arlington, Colonel Shuman headed Cost Engineering Research, a military contracting firm, from 1979 to 1988 and then worked for Analysis and Technology Inc. until 1996.

He was a member of the Bailey's Crossroads Lions Club, Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis, American Fighter Aces, Retired Officers Association, Marine Corps Aviation Association and Naval Aviation Association and St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Herndon.

His marriage to Irene Shuman ended in divorce.

Survivors include his wife of 11 years, Gloria Word of Reston; three children from his first marriage, Robert Shuman of Potomac, Joette Fletcher of Vienna and Karen Michalowicz of Falls Church; a brother; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

On Sunday, August 4, 2002 at his residence in Reston, Virginia, after a long battle
with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; three children from a previous marriage, Robert Shuman and his wife, Anna, Joette Fletcher and her husband, Gary and Karen Michalowicz and a brother, William Shuman and his wife, Peggy. Also survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to being a devoted father, Colonel Shuman will be remembered for his unsolicited generosity of his time and monetary gifts that benefitted the many people he came in contact with daily. Colonel Shuman retired from the U.S. Marine Corp after 27 years of service. During World War II, he became a fighter ace, downing six Japeneses Zeros.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 750 Peachtree St., Herndon, VA on Monday, August 19 at 12 Noon. Interment Arlington National Cemetery with Military Honors at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northern VA, Suite 202, 209 Gibson St., Leesburg, VA 20176 or Alzheimer's Family Day Center, 2036 Westmoreland St., Falls Church, VA 22043

Photo Couresy of Russell C. Jacobs, August 2006

SHUMAN, PERRY LINDSAY
COL   US MARINE CORPS
VETERAN SERVICE DATES: 10/22/1941 - 10/31/1967
DATE OF BIRTH: 08/01/1919
DATE OF DEATH: 08/04/2002
DATE OF INTERMENT: 08/19/2002
BURIED AT: SECTION 67  SITE 4231-2
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY