The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Joseph P. Parke (ASN: 12022214), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. As Company H, 16th Infantry, was about to attack a small town, the enemy laid down an extremely heavy artillery barrage and launched an attack. This forced Company H to move back and start their attack in another direction. Despite the fact that his entire unit was moving out, Private Parke voluntarily remained behind. From a position of cover in a building he poured an extremely accurate hail of fire on the hostile force. For over four hours he engaged the enemy forces and disorganized their attack by his effective fire. During this time over 300 artillery shells exploded in the vicinity of the building in which Private Parke was situated. Despite this fact, he resisted every effort to dislodge him and was still in this position when Company H finally took the town. The personal bravery, determination and devotion to duty of Private Parke reflects great credit on himself and on the Armed Forces.