Career
Parker enlisted in the United States Navy on 27 June 1941. Upon completion of basic training, Parker was assigned to the United States. Naval Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, as a Hospitalman Apprentice on 30 August. On 31 October 1941, he was stationed at the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia, where he served as a hospital corpsman in the United States. Naval Hospital, and, after 29 March 1942, in the First Raider Battalion, Fleet Marine Force.
Parker accompanied the Raider Battalion when that unit was ordered to the South Pacific.
He was awarded the Navy Cross
The citation further stated:
"When his company was almost completely surrounded by the Japanese and under attack from all directions, Parker, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, constantly exposed himself to enemy fire to care for and evacuate the wounded. As a result of his dauntless courage and outstanding devotion to duty, he undoubtedly saved the lives of many of the injured who otherwise might have perished."
"Foreign gallantry in action at New Georgia, Solomon Islands.
Disregarding his personal safety, he aggressively moved forward into areas swept by intense, hostile fire to render medical aid to two seriously wounded marines. In courageously attempting to evacuate the second man, Pharmacist"s Mate Parker was killed."
United States Ship Thaddeus Parker (Delaware-369) was named in his honor.
She was laid down on 23 May 1944 at Orange, Texas, by Consolidated Steel Corporation
Launched on 26 August 1944. Sponsored by Mission Iva Lee Parker. And commissioned on 25 October 1944, Lieutenant
Commander
Duane R. Stoneleigh, United States Naval Reserve, in command.