World War I Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award from President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House on May 7, 1935 for his actions as a 2nd Lieutenant with Company K, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, US Army, on July 18-19, 1918, at the Battle of Soissons, France. He received his commission as a US Army 2nd Lieutenant in 1917 and was sent to the Western Front, following the US entry into World War I. After the war, he returned home and worked in the textile industry. During World War II, he rejoined the US Army and helped to train officer recruits at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was discharged at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was also the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star (with one oak leaf cluster), the Legion of Merit, the World War I Victory Medal (with five campaign stars), the Purple Heart (with one oak leaf cluster), and the French Croix de Guerre (with palm). He died at the age of 84. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. During the attack the 2d and 3d Battalions of the 28th Infantry were merged, and after several hours of severe fighting, successfully established a frontline position. In so doing, a gap was left between the right flank of the French 153d Division on their left and the left flank of the 28th Infantry, exposing the left flank to a terrific enfilade fire from several enemy machine guns located in a rock quarry on high ground. Second Lt. Parker, observing this serious situation, ordered his depleted platoon to follow him in an attack upon the strong point. Meeting a disorganized group of French Colonials wandering leaderlessly about, he persuaded them to join his platoon. This consolidated group followed 2d Lt. Parker through direct enemy rifle and machine-gun fire to the crest of the hill, and rushing forward, took the quarry by storm, capturing six machine guns and about 40 prisoners. The next day when the assault was continued, 2d Lt. Parker in command of the merged 2d and 3d Battalions was in support of the 1st Battalion. Although painfully wounded in the foot, he refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his command until the objective was reached. Seeing that the assault battalion was subjected to heavy enfilade fire due to a gap between it and the French on its left, 2d Lt. Parker led his battalion through this heavy fire up on the line to the left of the 1st Battalion and thereby closed the gap, remaining in command of his battalion until the newly established lines of the 28th Infantry were thoroughly consolidated. In supervising the consolidation of the new position, 2d Lt. Parker was compelled to crawl about on his hands and knees on account of his painful wound. His conspicuous gallantry and spirit of self-sacrifice were a source of great inspiration to the members of the entire command."
World War I Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award from President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House on May 7, 1935 for his actions as a 2nd Lieutenant with Company K, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, US Army, on July 18-19, 1918, at the Battle of Soissons, France. He received his commission as a US Army 2nd Lieutenant in 1917 and was sent to the Western Front, following the US entry into World War I. After the war, he returned home and worked in the textile industry. During World War II, he rejoined the US Army and helped to train officer recruits at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was discharged at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was also the recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star (with one oak leaf cluster), the Legion of Merit, the World War I Victory Medal (with five campaign stars), the Purple Heart (with one oak leaf cluster), and the French Croix de Guerre (with palm). He died at the age of 84. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. During the attack the 2d and 3d Battalions of the 28th Infantry were merged, and after several hours of severe fighting, successfully established a frontline position. In so doing, a gap was left between the right flank of the French 153d Division on their left and the left flank of the 28th Infantry, exposing the left flank to a terrific enfilade fire from several enemy machine guns located in a rock quarry on high ground. Second Lt. Parker, observing this serious situation, ordered his depleted platoon to follow him in an attack upon the strong point. Meeting a disorganized group of French Colonials wandering leaderlessly about, he persuaded them to join his platoon. This consolidated group followed 2d Lt. Parker through direct enemy rifle and machine-gun fire to the crest of the hill, and rushing forward, took the quarry by storm, capturing six machine guns and about 40 prisoners. The next day when the assault was continued, 2d Lt. Parker in command of the merged 2d and 3d Battalions was in support of the 1st Battalion. Although painfully wounded in the foot, he refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his command until the objective was reached. Seeing that the assault battalion was subjected to heavy enfilade fire due to a gap between it and the French on its left, 2d Lt. Parker led his battalion through this heavy fire up on the line to the left of the 1st Battalion and thereby closed the gap, remaining in command of his battalion until the newly established lines of the 28th Infantry were thoroughly consolidated. In supervising the consolidation of the new position, 2d Lt. Parker was compelled to crawl about on his hands and knees on account of his painful wound. His conspicuous gallantry and spirit of self-sacrifice were a source of great inspiration to the members of the entire command."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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