Dr. Perry Malcolm

The sport of wrestling produces athletes that have outstanding character and drive to be successful, making the most of their talents and helping their teammates or others in their efforts. Minnesota's Perry Malcolm is one of those homegrown "Outstanding Americans." Dr. Perry Malcolm grew up in Anoka, Minnesota where he wrestled for his legendary Hall of Fame Coach and father Ron Malcolm at Anoka High School. As his father would say, "Perry was not a gifted wrestler, but due to hard work he was a three year starter and earned All-Conference honors both his junior and senior years. He placed third in a tough Region, and he was selected Team Captain by his teammates. He went 20-0 during the regular season his senior year. From Anoka High School Malcolm attended Augsburg College, wrestling for another legendary Hall of Fame Coach in John Grygelko. Unfortunately, his Freshman year he separated his shoulder so decided to concentrate on his academics. This decision proved to be absolutely vital to his future success. He graduated summa cum laud with a B.A. in Physics in 1979. Perry continued his studies at the University of Minnesota and received his Doctorate in Physics (PHD-1986). Ron Malcolm says, "His academic achievement were not due to his being gifted, but just like in his wrestling he was just a driven worker." While at the University, Malcolm also participated in the ROTC program. He then went on to active duty and eventually taught physics at the Air Force Academy for seven years and received the Air Force Research & Development Award in 1989. He served in the Air Force from 1984 to 1995. He served as Associate Professor of Physics from 1988 to 1995 and served as Officer representative and Cadet Academic Officer for the wrestling team under Coach wayne Baughman. At age 38 Perry Malcolm decided to change course and become a Medical Doctor, attending the University of Minnesota. There Malcolm earned his second Doctor's degree, this time in medicine (MD) in 1999. His Residency was at the North Memorial Family Practice in 2002. Dr. Malcolm also served as Team Physician for the Minneapolis-Edison High School Wrestling Team under former Gopher great, Coach Billy Pierce. While serving in the Minnesota Army National Guard from 1977 to present. Colonel Perry Malcolm has had four deployments, Bosnia (2003), Iraq (2005), Iraq (2007-2008), receiving the Bronze Star, and Kuwait (2014-2015). From 2008 to 2013, Malcolm served as Assistant Deputy Under-Secretary of Defense and Oversight Executive, Rapid Fielding Program, Arlington, VA. Honors for Dr. Malcolm during his service to our country include: Bronze Star Award (2008), Meritorious Service Medal (1988, 2005, 2015), Air Force Research & Development Award (1989), and promoted to Colonel , medical corps (2012). Dr. Malcolm currently servesw as avaiation medicine physician (1977-present, flight surgeon) for 34th Combat Avaiation Brigade and 2-147th Assault Helicopter Battalion, St. Paul, MN. Dr. Malcolm is currently Staff physician at St. Cloud VA Medical Center (started in 2013) where he works in Urgent Care, providing care to approximately 20+ veterans daily (he was deployed from 6/2014 to 6/2015). Finally, Hall of Fame Coach and Official Don Meyers says, "A former wrestler, solid citizen, distinguished academic who chooses to serve his country and mankind for his life. This award was created for men like Dr. Perry Malcolm." Dr. Malcolm epitomizes the true meaning of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame "Outstanding American" Award.

Awards:

Year
2017
Award
Outstanding American
Chapter/Region
Minnesota

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