Alexander Parker | |
---|---|
Born | August 1832 Kensington, New Jersey |
Died | October 2, 1900 | (aged 68)
Place of burial | Mare Island Cemetery, Vallejo, California |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Navy |
Rank | Boatswain's Mate |
Unit | USS Portsmouth |
Awards | Medal of Honor |
Alexander Parker (August 1832 – October 2, 1900) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
Born in August 1832 in Kensington, New Jersey, Parker joined the Navy from that state.[1][2] By July 25, 1876, he was serving as a boatswain's mate on the USS Portsmouth. On that day, at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California, he attempted to save a shipmate from drowning. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor two weeks later, on August 9.[3]
Parker's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For gallant conduct in attempting to save a shipmate from drowning at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, Calif., on 25 July 1876.[1]
Parker left the Navy while still a boatswain's mate. He died on October 2, 1900, at age 68 and was buried at Mare Island Cemetery in Vallejo, California.[2]