The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) John Henry Parker, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 102d Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Trugny, France, 21 July 1918. Colonel Parker made a personal reconnaissance over a front of about two kilometers on horseback in the face of enemy fire and determined the strength of the German forces to insure the most advantageous approach for his troops to attack. Several times he was an inspiring figure to his men under a heavy artillery barrage and concentration of machine-gun fire.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) John Henry Parker, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 102d Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the road through La Fere Wood, between Beuvardes and Le Charmel, France, 25 July 1918. When a battalion just coming into the line was halted, awaiting orders. Subjected suddenly to an intense artillery concentration, the men, who had only such cover as was afforded by the shallow ditches along the road, were thrown into some confusion. At that moment Colonel Parker came down the road on horseback. Immediately appreciating the situation, he twice rode down the line and back again at a slow walk, stopping to talk with the men; and thus by his fearless personal exposure to, and disregard of, danger, he promptly steadied the troops and prevented probable disorder at an important juncture.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) John Henry Parker, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 102d Infantry Regiment, 26th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Gesnes, France, 29 September 1918. During the attack on the village of Gesnes Colonel Parker displayed great gallantry and fearlessness in leading and directing his front line with utter disregard for personal safety and urged his men forward by his personal example, all under heavy machine-gun, high-explosive, gas-shell, and shrapnel fire. He was abreast of his front line until he fell, twice wounded, but thereafter remained in active command for a period of five hours, when he was relieved by the lieutenant colonel of his regiment.