
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
PARKER, SAMUEL I.
Rank and Organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army,
Company K, 28th Infantry, 1st Division. Place and Date: Near Soissons, France,
18-19 July 1918. Entered Service At: Monroe, N.C. Birth: Monroe, N.C. G.
O. No.: 1, W.D. 1937.
Citation:
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.
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