U.S. Naval Academy in 1949 and graduated with a commission as an Ensign on June 5, 1953. While at the Academy, he served as class president, chairman of the honor committee, and battalion commander. His first assignment was on the destroyer USS Sigourney (DD-643) and then on the aircraft carrier USS Leyte (CVS-32). Perot married Margot Birmingham of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1956, and he went to reseve status July 2, 1957, continuing in the Naval Reserve until June 30, 1961.