Francis F. Parry

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Francis F. Parry (0-7187), Lieutenant Colonel [then Major], U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Artillery Regiment of the FIRST Marine Division, FMF, in Korea, on 2 – 3 December 1950. Serving as a Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Parry displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. Despite the sub- Zero weather, rocky and mountainous terrain, critical ammunition shortages, personnel and equipment casualties and almost constant displacements, he skillfully kept every one of his weapons in action and rendered continuous and highly effective artillery support to the infantry operations. In one instance, he dauntlessly proceeded with the point of the leading infantry unit in order to make a timely reconnaissance for artillery positions in terrain where suitable positions were almost impossible to find. Realizing that he must get his leading battery into position immediately to prevent the interruption of artillery support, he courageously made a personal reconnaissance of an area that was still being fought for by infantry units. Expressing complete disregard for his personal safety, he gallantly brought the battery into the area in the face of murderous hostile fire and directed its emplacement. After establishing a defensive perimeter, he successfully defended the position against constant efforts by the enemy to dislodge him and capture his guns. He displaced his weapons only after the rear guard of the infantry approached his position and artillery support was assumed by another of his batteries. Lieutenant Colonel Parry’s outstanding leadership and gallant and courageous actions served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.