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John Joseph Parle (26 May 1920 - 17 July 1943) was born at Omaha, Neb. and enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve as Apprentice Seaman 11 January 1942. He began Midshipman training at Notre Dame University 5 October and was commissioned Ensign, USNR on 28 January 1943. Following assignment with the Amphibious Force at Norfolk, Va., he was reassigned to the Northwest African Amphibious Force and attached to LST-375 as officer-in-charge of small boats during the invasion of Sicily, 9-10 July 1943. "For valor and courage above and beyond the call of duty," as an accidentally ignited smoke pot was about to touch off a boat laden with high-explosive charges and ammunition, which would disclose to the enemy the assault about to be carried out, he unhesitatingly entered the craft, snuffed out some burning fuses, and after failing to extinguish the smoke pot, took it in his bare hands and tossed it over the side, succumbing a week later as a result of poisonous fumes and smoke inhaled, "he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Ensign Parle’s heroic self-sacrifice prevented grave damage to the ship and personnel and insured the security of a vital mission. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."
USS Parle (DE 708) (1944-1970) was the first ship to be named in his honor.
(Photo from the Parle Family Geneology Website) |
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August 1962: off Falmouth, Mass. - USS Parle (DE 708) and USS Keywadin (ATA 213) anchored in Buzzard's Bay near the Cape Cod Canal. (Photo #19620800S-a20, © Richard Leonhardt) |
Richard Leonhardt |
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August 1962: off Falmouth, Mass. - Parle and Keywadin, as above (Photo #19620800S-a21, © Richard Leonhardt) |
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August 1962: off Falmouth, Mass. - Parle and Keywadin, as above (Photo #19620800S-a23, © Richard Leonhardt) |
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Keywadin and Parle moored at Falmouth, Mass., August 1962. |
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August 1962: off Falmouth, Mass. - Parle and Keywadin, as above (Photo #19620800S-a24, © Richard Leonhardt) |
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August 1962: off Falmouth, Mass. - Parle and Keywadin, as above (Photo #19620800S-a25, © Richard Leonhardt) |
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August 1962: off Falmouth, Mass. - Parle and Keywadin, as above (Photo #19620800S-a28, © Richard Leonhardt) |
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Robert Hurst |
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Bill Gonyo |
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David Buell |
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Tony Alter |
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circa 1962: USS Parle (DE 708) underway, location unknown. (Photo courtesy of Mr. W.H. Davis; from "Jane's Fighting Ships, 1964 - 65") |
Robert Hurst |
