John H. Parker

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Parker, Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Seicheprey, France, April 20, 1918. During the engagement at Seicheprey, Colonel Parker went out in a withering hostile barrage to inspect his lines. Repeatedly he climbed upon the firing step of the trench, and, standing there with his back toward the enemy and with shell splinters falling about him, he talked to his men in such cool, calm terms as to reassure them and brace them up so that when he left they were in a cheerful state of mind and in better condition to ward against attack.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Parker, Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Gesnes, France, September 29, 1918. During the attack on the village of Gesnes Colonel Parker displayed great gallantry and fearlessness in leading and directing his front line with utter disregard for personal safety and urged his men forward by his personal example, all under heavy machine-gun, high-explosive, gas-shell, and shrapnel fire. He was abreast of his front line until he fell, twice wounded, but thereafter remained in active command for a period of five hours, when he was relieved by the lieutenant colonel of his regiment.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Parker, Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Trugny, France, July 21, 1918. Colonel Parker made a personal reconnaissance over a front of about two kilometers on horseback in the face of enemy fire and determined the strength of the German forces to insure the most advantageous approach for his troops to attack. Several times he was an inspiring figure to his men under a heavy artillery barrage and concentration of machine-gun fire.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John H. Parker, Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on the road through La Fere Wood, between Beuvardes and Le Charmel, France, July 25, 1918. When a battalion just coming into the line was halted, awaiting orders. Subjected suddenly to an intense artillery concentration, the men, who had only such cover as was afforded by the shallow ditches along the road, were thrown into some confusion. At that moment Colonel Parker came down the road on horseback. Immediately appreciating the situation, he twice rode down the line and back again at a slow walk, stopping to talk with the men; and thus by his fearless personal exposure to, and disregard of, danger, he promptly steadied the troops and prevented probable disorder at an important juncture.