Rowdy W. Parker
Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 23 February 1945, Technical Sergeant Rowdy W. Parker was serving with the 405th Infantry Regiment, 102nd Infantry Division, Ninth U.S. Army.

On that day, TSGT Parker’s unit was in action against German forces. TSGT Parker’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

TSGT Parker died of his wounds on 25 February 1945.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star Medal (Merit)
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Technical Sergeant Rowdy W. Parker (ASN: 6283536), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 405th Infantry Regiment, 102d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 23 February 1945. Technical Sergeant Parker's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 102d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 142 (1945)

Burial

Technical Sergeant Rowdy W. Parker is buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten, Eijsden-Margraten Municipality, Limburg, Netherlands, in Plot J, Row 14, Grave 8.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56302538/rowdy-w-parker