Alexander Parker (Medal of Honor)
Alexander Parker (August 1832 – October 2, 1900) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
Alexander Parker | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 1832 Kensington, New Jersey |
| Died | October 2, 1900 (aged 68) |
| Place of burial | Mare Island Cemetery, Vallejo, California |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Rank | Boatswain's Mate |
| Unit | USS Portsmouth |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Born in August 1832 in Kensington, New Jersey, Parker joined the Navy from that state.[1][2] By July 25, 1876, he was serving as a boatswain's mate on the USS Portsmouth. On that day, at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California, he attempted to save a shipmate from drowning. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor two weeks later, on August 9.[3]
Parker's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For gallant conduct in attempting to save a shipmate from drowning at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, Calif., on 25 July 1876.[1]
Parker left the Navy while still a boatswain's mate. He died on October 2, 1900, at age 68 and was buried at Mare Island Cemetery in Vallejo, California.[2]
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients during peacetime
References
- "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved August 11, 2010.
- "Alexander Parker". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. August 20, 2005. Retrieved August 11, 2010.
- Robeson, George M. (June 9, 1876). "General Order, No. 215". General orders and circulars issued by the Navy Department. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office (1863–1887): 150. Retrieved August 11, 2010.
External links
- "Alexander Parker". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved August 11, 2010.