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World War II Honoree

World War II Veteran

Wayne Arthur Parker

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Branch Seal
Activity During WWII

He was commissioned as an Ensign, and served on the destroyer USS Ringgold. During the assault on the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands on November 20, 1943, an enemy shell penetrated to the destroyer's engine room. He plugged the hole with his body, preventing flooding until emergency repairs could be made. Then, with with complete disregard for his own life, he ordered all personnel to leave the area while he carried the shell topside and threw it overboard. He was awarded the Navy Cross for valor.