The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Harry (Henry) Jeremiah Parks, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 19 October 1864, while serving with Company A, 9th New York Cavalry, in action at Cedar Creek, Virginia. While alone and in advance of his unit and attempting to cut off the retreat of a supply wagon, Private Parks fought and sent to flight a Confederate Color Bearer. After capturing the Color Bearer and leaving him in the rear, he returned to the front and captured three more wagons and drivers.