Thaddeus Parker

Navy career

Parker enlisted in the United States Navy on 27 June 1941. Upon completion of basic training, Parker was assigned to the U.S. Naval Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, as a Hospitalman Apprentice on 30 August. On 31 October 1941, he was stationed at the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia, where he served as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Naval Hospital, and, after 29 March 1942, in the First Raider Battalion, Fleet Marine Force.

Awarded the Navy Cross

Parker accompanied the Raider Battalion when that unit was ordered to the South Pacific. He was awarded the Navy Cross

"for extraordinary heroism while serving as company corpsman during an engagement with enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Island, on the night of September 13–14, 1942."

The citation further stated:

"When his company was almost completely surrounded by the Japanese and under attack from all directions, Parker, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, constantly exposed himself to enemy fire to care for and evacuate the wounded. As a result of his dauntless courage and outstanding devotion to duty, he undoubtedly saved the lives of many of the injured who otherwise might have perished."

Awarded the Silver Star

Killed in action at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on July 20, 1943, Parker was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart medal and the Silver Star Medal with the following citation:

"For gallantry in action at New Georgia, Solomon Islands. Disregarding his personal safety, he aggressively moved forward into areas swept by intense, hostile fire to render medical aid to two seriously wounded marines. In courageously attempting to evacuate the second man, Pharmacist's Mate Parker was killed."

Namesake

USS Thaddeus Parker (DE-369) was named in his honor. She was laid down on 23 May 1944 at Orange, Texas, by Consolidated Steel Corp.; launched on 26 August 1944; sponsored by Miss Iva Lee Parker; and commissioned on 25 October 1944, Lt. Comdr. Duane R. Stoneleigh, USNR, in command.