World War II Honoree

Bill Parker

Hometown

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Honored By

Robert S. Cox

A MEMBER OF THE CHOCTAW INDIAN NATION, HE SERVED OVERSEAS IN THE EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN THEATER, IN THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS (ETO) DURING THE WAR. PARTICIPATED IN THE D-DAY INVASION AT OMAHA BEACH AT NORMANDY, FRANCE ON JUNE 6, 1944. HE BELIEVES THAT HE WAS AMONG THE FIRST, IF NOT THE FIRST TO LAND ACROSS OMAHA BEACH. HIS CLAIM IS BASED ON THE FACT THAT HE DIDN'T SEE ANY BODIES TO HIS FRONT AT THE LOCATION HIS LANDING CRAFT PUT HIM ASHORE. AWARDED THE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE ARROWHEAD DEVICE (AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT LANDING), AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AND ISSUED THE HONORABLE SERVICE LAPEL BUTTON.