George W. Parker

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George W. Parker, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Platoon Sergeant Parker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 May 1969 when Fire Support Base Airborne came under intense mortar and rocket grenade attack, followed by an enemy sapper assault on the perimeter. With the first incoming rounds, Sergeant Parker rallied his mortar crews and commenced firing illumination and high- explosive rounds on the hostile fire that rained around his mortar emplacement, Sergeant Parker made his way to the platoon leader to warn of the ground attack on two sides of the compound. Suddenly a rocket-propelled grenade struck one of the mortar emplacements and knocked it out. Running to the position, Sergeant Parker immediately set up the mortar tube and started firing on the enemy. Although a satchel charge thrown at his position momentarily stunned him, he continued his mission, often exposing himself to the enemy barrage to obtain re-supplies of ammunition. On one of his trips to the munitions stockpile, he was attacked by four sappers armed with satchel charges, and he eliminated them with a well-thrown grenade. Through his courageous example, the Fire Support Base successfully repelled the enemy attack. Platoon Sergeant Parker’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 477 (February 20, 1970)