b. 24/02/1848 Orangeville, New York. d. 19/10/1927 San Diego, California.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 19/10/1864 Cedar Creek, Virginia.
Henry J Parks MOH
Harry Jeremiah Parks, a farm boy from Orangeville, New York, Parks ran away from home twice to join the Union Army. He signed his name as Jeremiah Parks, using his middle name to escape from his father James Parks who had brought him back once before. He mustered in at Lockport, New York, shortly before his 16th birthday and was assigned as a private to Company A of the 9th New York Cavalry. Serving under General Philip Sheridan, Parks rode into battle on October 19, 1864, at Cedar Creek, Virginia, capturing the “Bonnie Blue Flag” and several prisoners. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions a week later, on October 26, 1864. At age sixteen, Parks is one of the youngest recipients of the medal.
Parks again served during the Spanish–American War, rising to the rank of captain and serving with Battery A of the 1st Colorado Light Artillery.
MOH CITATION:
While alone and in advance of his unit and attempting to cut off the retreat of a supply wagon, he fought and sent to flight a Confederate color bearer. After capturing the color bearer and leaving him in the rear, he returned to the front and captured three more wagons and drivers.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 2, GRAVE 1200-RH
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
