b. 17/10/1891 Monroe, North Carolina. d. 01/12/1975 Washington DC.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 18-19/07/1918 near Soissons, France.
Samuel I Parker MOH
Born on October 17, 1891, in Monroe, North Carolina, Parker was one of four children born to Frances Ann (Johnston) and John Daniel Parker. He was a descendent of William Bradford, a founder of Plymouth Colony, in Massachusetts, and of associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States James Iredell. He was also a brother of United States federal judge John J. Parker.
He was commissioned an Army lieutenant in 1917 and served with the First Infantry Division in France during World War I, during which won all three of the nation’s highest awards for gallantry in combat.
After the war, Parker worked in textile mills in North Carolina. During World War II, he returned to active duty, rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and was involved with training soldiers at Fort Benning, Georgia.
MOH CITATION:
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.
BURIAL LOCATION: OAKWOOD CEMETERY, CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA.
SECTION A, LOT 174.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION MUSEUM AT CANTIGNY, WHEATON, ILLINOIS.
