Alexander Parker (Medal 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.

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

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. "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. Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office (1863–1887): 150. Retrieved August 11, 2010.
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