Samuel I Parker
Samuel was born on the 17th of October, 1891, in Monroe, North Carolina. He was a Second Lieutenant in the US Army when he fought in World War 1 and it was his actions in France on the 18th and 19th of July, 1918, that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:
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 machineguns located in a rock quarry on high ground. 2d 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 machinegun fire to the crest of the hill, and rushing forward, took the quarry by storm, capturing 6 machineguns 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.
Three months after these actions, Samuel disregarded his own safety and charged a machine gun that was 150 yards away and was firing at him. He killed the gunner with his pistol and this earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. He also earned two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, and received two Purple Hearts. After the War, Samuel worked in the textile industry, was also married to Mary Lou Morris, and they had three children. On the 7th of May, 1936, Samuel received the Medal of Honor from President Roosevelt in a ceremony at the White House. Present with him was his wife, their daughter and son, his brother, Congressman Malcom Tarver, and the Army Chief of Staff Major General Malin Craig. During World War 2, Samuel was stationed at Fort Benning in Georgia to assist with the training of soldiers. He reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before the end of his time in service and spent his retirement in North Carolina. Samuel Iredell Parker died on the 1st of December, 1975 at the age of 84 and is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Concord, North Carolina. His wife joined him and their infant son seven years later.
