Navy career

Parker enlisted in the United States Navy

United States Navy

The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...

 on 27 June 1941. Upon completion of basic training, Parker was assigned to the U.S. Naval Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....

, as a Hospitalman Apprentice on 30 August. On 31 October 1941, he was stationed at the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia

Quantico, Virginia

- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there are 561 people, 295 households, and 107 families living in the town. The population density is . There are 359 housing units at an average density of .-Racial composition:...

, 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

Fleet Marine Force

The United States Fleet Marine Forces are combined general and special purpose forces within the United States Department of the Navy that are designed in engaging offensive amphibious or expeditionary warfare and defensive maritime employment...

.

Awarded the Navy Cross

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

Navy Cross

The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...

"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

New Georgia

New Georgia is the largest island of the Western Province of the Solomon Islands.-Geography:This island is located in the New Georgia Group, an archipelago including most of the other larger islands in the province...

, Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands is a sovereign state in Oceania, east of Papua New Guinea, consisting of nearly one thousand islands. It covers a land mass of . The capital, Honiara, is located on the island of Guadalcanal...

, on July 20, 1943, Parker was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart

Purple Heart

The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...

 medal and the Silver Star

Silver Star

The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....

 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)

USS Thaddeus Parker (DE-369)

USS Thaddeus Parker was a acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II. The primary purpose of the destroyer escort was to escort and protect ships in convoy, in addition to other tasks as assigned, such as patrol or radar picket...

 was named in his honor. She was laid down on 23 May 1944 at Orange, Texas

Orange, Texas

Orange is a city in Orange County, Texas, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 18,643. It is the county seat of Orange County, and is the easternmost city in Texas. Located on the Sabine River at the border with Louisiana, it is part of the Beaumont–Port Arthur...

, 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

United States Navy Reserve

The United States Navy Reserve, until 2005 known as the United States Naval Reserve, is the Reserve Component of the United States Navy...

, in command.