Medal of Honor: John Joseph Parle – World War II – July 9–10, 1943

Name: John Joseph Parle
Rank: Ensign
Branch: U.S. Naval Reserve
War: World War II
Unit: USS LST-375
Date of Action: July 9–10, 1943
Location: Off Sicily, Mediterranean Sea

Summary of Action

On the night of 9–10 July 1943, as Allied forces prepared to launch the invasion of Sicily, Ensign John Joseph Parle served as Officer-in-Charge of Small Boats aboard USS LST-375.

The success of the operation depended upon complete surprise.

Any explosion or fire could alert German and Italian defenders that the invasion fleet had arrived.

Shortly before the assault, a smoke pot accidentally ignited aboard one of the landing craft.

The boat carried high explosives, detonating fuses, and ammunition.

If the fire reached the explosives, the resulting explosion would not only destroy the boat but could severely damage the ship, kill nearby personnel, and prematurely reveal the Allied assault.

Without hesitation, Parle rushed into the smoke-filled craft.

Working amid blinding smoke and growing flames, he quickly extinguished a burning fuse that threatened to ignite the explosive cargo.

He then attempted repeatedly to put out the burning smoke pot itself.

When every effort failed, he made one final desperate decision.

Grasping the burning smoke pot with both hands, he lifted it and threw it over the side of the boat before it could ignite the surrounding explosives.

His actions prevented a catastrophic explosion and preserved the secrecy of one of the most important amphibious operations of the Second World War.

Although he survived the immediate incident, Parle had inhaled massive amounts of toxic smoke and fumes while carrying out the rescue.

He died a week later from those injuries.

His selfless sacrifice protected his ship, saved countless lives, and helped ensure the success of the Allied invasion of Sicily.

Ensign John Joseph Parle's extraordinary courage and devotion to duty reflected the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

PARLE, JOHN JOSEPH

Rank and organization: Ensign, U.S. Naval Reserve.

Born: 26 May 1920, Omaha, Nebraska.

Accredited to: Nebraska.

Citation:

For valor and courage above and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge of Small Boats in USS 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, Ensign 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 smoke pot, finally seized it with both hands and threw it over the side.

Although he succumbed a week later from smoke and fumes inhaled, Ensign Parle's heroic self-sacrifice prevented grave damage to the ship and personnel and ensured the security of a vital mission.

He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.