William Whiteford Parker S1 USN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Whiteford Parker, Seaman First Class, U.S. Navy, for exceptional courage, presence of mind, and devotion to duty and disregard for his personal safety while serving on board the Battleship U.S.S. ARIZONA (BB-39), during the Japanese attack on the United States Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941. Despite orders from his gun captain to take cover, Seaman First Class Parker remained at his station on antiaircraft gun No. 1 with two other members of his gun crew until he was blown overboard by an explosion. The conduct of Seaman First Class Parker throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Born: November 2, 1916 at Bannethburn, Georgia
Home Town: Picayune, Mississippi

Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret.