Cortlandt Parker
Major General, U.S. Army

Cortlandt Parker was born on 10 December 1884, the son of Major General James Parker [Honoree Record ID 320374], a Medal of Honor recipient for actions during the Philippine-American War in 1899.

From 1917-18, Parker served in France during World War I.

Before World War II, Cortlandt Parker served as a Military Attaché to Great Britain (1931-1935) and was commander of the 8th Field Artillery Regiment, and then the 19th Field Artillery Regiment.

As a Major General in the U.S. Army during World War II, he commanded the 5th Infantry Division (known as the "Red Diamond" Division) from August 1941 to June 1943. From 1943-46 he served as Commanding General of the Southern California Sector in the Western Defense Command before retiring from the military.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star Medal
Legion of Merit
Officer of the Legion of Honor (France)
Fourragère in the colors of the Croix de Guerre 1914-18 (France)

Death and Burial

Major General Cortlandt Parker died on 18 January 1960. He is buried at St. Mary's Episcopal Churchyard in Portsmouth, RI.