René Peroy

René Peroy was born in Paris but came to the United States in 1909, as chief mechanic for the French pilot Bieriot’s team of air racers, who were attempting to set a world speed record. Peroy had been a top fencer in France and fenced for the New York Fencers Club after staying in the US. He won US titles in 1923 in individual foil and individual 3-weapon. He also helped the NY Fencers Club win team foil national titles in 1923 and 1925-26, team sabre titles in 1924-25, and team 3-weapon titles in 1924-25.

After the 1928 Olympics, Peroy became the fencing coach at Harvard, starting in 1929 and remaining there through 1951, ending with a record of 96 wins, 41 losses, and 3 ties. He led the Crimson fencers to the Intercollegiate Fencing Association’s men’s foil team title once (1931) and men’s épée team title twice (1934 and 1935).