PARLE, JOHN JOSEPH - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Ensign, U.S. Naval Reserve. Birth: 26 May 1920,
Omaha, Nebr. Accredited to: Nebraska. Citation: For valor and courage above
and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge of Small Boats in the
U.S.S. LST 375 during the amphibious assault on the island of Sicily, 9-10
July 1943. Realizing that a detonation of explosives would prematurely
disclose to the enemy the assault about to be carried out, and with full
knowledge of the peril involved, Ens. Parle unhesitatingly risked his life
to extinguish a smoke pot accidentally ignited in a boat carrying charges
of high explosives, detonating fuses and ammunition. Undaunted by fire
and blinding smoke, he entered the craft, quickly snuffed out a burning
fuse, and after failing in his desperate efforts to extinguish the fire
pot, finally seized it with both hands and threw it over the side. Although
he succumbed a week later from smoke and fumes inhaled, Ens. Parle's heroic
self-sacrifice prevented grave damage to the ship and personnel and insured
the security of a vital mission. He gallantly gave his life in the service
of his country.
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