John Joseph Parle

Ensign John Joseph Parle was a United States Naval Reserve officer who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States military's highest decoration, for his heroic actions during World War II.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Parle graduated from Creighton University in 1942 through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. Shortly thereafter, he entered active service with the U.S. Navy to support the Allied war effort in the European Theater.

During the invasion of Sicily in July 1943, Ensign Parle sacrificed his life to prevent an accidental explosion of ammunition and pyrotechnics aboard his vessel, securing the success of the landing operations at the cost of his own survival. His gallantry and devotion to duty remain a testament to the courage of the U.S. Naval Reserve forces.