Medal of Honor: John Joseph Parle– World War II, July 10, 1943

Name: John Joseph Parle
Rank: Ensign
Conflict: World War II
Unit: U.S. Naval Reserve, Officer-in-Charge of Small Boats, USS LST-375
Date of Action: July 9–10, 1943
Location: Off the coast of Sicily, during the Allied invasion (Operation Husky)

Summary of Action:
During the opening hours of Operation Husky, the Allied amphibious assault on Axis-occupied Sicily, Ensign John Parle played a vital role in one of the most critical naval operations of the war. As Officer-in-Charge of small boats aboard the USS LST-375, his responsibility was to oversee the transport of men and munitions to the invasion beaches in total secrecy and under the cover of darkness. Just before the assault began, a smoke pot—designed to provide concealment—was accidentally ignited in a landing craft already loaded with high explosives, ammunition, and fuses. Had the fire spread, it could have caused a catastrophic explosion, killing nearby crewmen and prematurely alerting German and Italian defenders to the invasion force.

Recognizing the immediate threat, Ensign Parle acted without hesitation. Fully aware that any delay might result in disaster, he entered the burning boat, choking on blinding smoke and toxic fumes. He successfully snuffed out a burning fuse, then fought desperately to extinguish the fire pot. When that failed, he seized it with his bare hands—suffering intense burns—and hurled it overboard, preventing the ignition of the volatile cargo.

Though he survived the ordeal, the smoke and chemical exposure proved fatal. Ensign Parle died a week later from respiratory complications. His selfless heroism and swift action not only saved the lives of fellow servicemen and prevented the destruction of his ship, but also preserved the secrecy and success of the invasion, which would mark the beginning of the liberation of Europe from Nazi control.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For valor and courage above and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge of Small Boats in the U.S.S. LST 375 during the amphibious assault on the island of Sicily, 9–10 July 1943. Realizing that a detonation of explosives would prematurely disclose to the enemy the assault about to be carried out, and with full knowledge of the peril involved, Ens. Parle unhesitatingly risked his life to extinguish a smoke pot accidentally ignited in a boat carrying charges of high explosives, detonating fuses and ammunition. Undaunted by fire and blinding smoke, he entered the craft, quickly snuffed out a burning fuse, and after failing in his desperate efforts to extinguish the fire pot, finally seized it with both hands and threw it over the side. Although he succumbed a week later from smoke and fumes inhaled, Ens. 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.