Harold Lewis Parris

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Harold Lewis Parris Veteran

Birth
Corydon, Wayne County, Iowa, USA
Death
22 Aug 1995 (aged 72)
Burial
Fort Gibson, Muskogee County, Oklahoma, USA Add to Map
Plot
16, 0, 2367
Memorial ID
View Source
508th Parachute Infantry Regiment
82d Airborne Division

Harold was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross "for extraordinary heroism in combat on 11 June 1944 near Guetteville, France".

http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=22523

DSC Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Harold Lewis Parris (ASN: 19145940), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 June 1944 near Guetteville, France. While crossing from enemy territory to friendly lines, Private First Class Parris, a machine gunner in a parachute infantry regiment, approached a German sentry and pretended he was a German officer, then quietly killed the German with his trench knife. He had dropped by parachute deep in hostile territory on the morning of D-Day, and led seven men, with courage and skill and consummate daring, for five days through territory covered with enemy troops. En route, he never hesitated to engage any opposition encountered and left many Germans dead behind him. When he reached the enemy main line of resistance it became necessary to eliminate the last obstacle by deception rather than rifle fire. The heroic leadership and valiant personal achievements of Private First Class Parris enabled seven comrades to survive battle, hunger, thirst and fatigue and rejoin their organization. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

Contributor: BarryC (47806468)

Military Information: SSGT, US ARMY

Was married to Johnie Vivian Chaffin Stone from 8 Feb 1958 until 13 Jul 1964
508th Parachute Infantry Regiment
82d Airborne Division

Harold was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross "for extraordinary heroism in combat on 11 June 1944 near Guetteville, France".

http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=22523

DSC Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Harold Lewis Parris (ASN: 19145940), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 June 1944 near Guetteville, France. While crossing from enemy territory to friendly lines, Private First Class Parris, a machine gunner in a parachute infantry regiment, approached a German sentry and pretended he was a German officer, then quietly killed the German with his trench knife. He had dropped by parachute deep in hostile territory on the morning of D-Day, and led seven men, with courage and skill and consummate daring, for five days through territory covered with enemy troops. En route, he never hesitated to engage any opposition encountered and left many Germans dead behind him. When he reached the enemy main line of resistance it became necessary to eliminate the last obstacle by deception rather than rifle fire. The heroic leadership and valiant personal achievements of Private First Class Parris enabled seven comrades to survive battle, hunger, thirst and fatigue and rejoin their organization. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

Contributor: BarryC (47806468)

Military Information: SSGT, US ARMY

Was married to Johnie Vivian Chaffin Stone from 8 Feb 1958 until 13 Jul 1964