Alexander Parker (Medal of Honor)

Alexander Parker
BornAugust 1832
Kensington, New Jersey, US
DiedOctober 2, 1900(1900-10-02) (aged 68)
Place of burial
Mare Island Cemetery, Vallejo, California, US
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service / branchUnited States Navy
RankBoatswain's Mate
UnitUSS Portsmouth
AwardsMedal of Honor

Alexander Parker (August 1832 – October 2, 1900) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Born in August 1832 in Kensington, New Jersey, Parker joined the Navy from that state.[1] By July 25, 1876, he was serving as a boatswain's mate on the USS Portsmouth. On that day, at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California, he attempted to save a shipmate from drowning. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor two weeks later, on August 9.[2]

Parker's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For gallant conduct in attempting to save a shipmate from drowning at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, Calif., on 25 July 1876.[1]

Parker left the Navy while still a boatswain's mate. He died on October 2, 1900, at age 68.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1871–1898". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. August 5, 2010. Retrieved August 11, 2010.
  2. ^ Robeson, George M. (June 9, 1876). "General Order, No. 215". General Orders and Circulars Issued by the Navy Department (1863–1887). Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office: 150. Retrieved August 11, 2010.