The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private John H. Parker (ASN: 34138116), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March through July 1943. When his platoon was immobilized by enemy machine gun fire, Private Parker, a member of an automatic weapons team, crawled through this heavy fire and successfully destroyed the enemy emplacement with accurate counterfire. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.