John Joseph Parle

John Joseph Parle was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 26, 1920. A graduate of Creighton University’s ROTC program, he entered the United States Naval Reserve during the Second World War and was commissioned as an ensign. By July 1943 he was serving aboard USS LST-375 during preparations for the Allied invasion of Sicily.

During the amphibious assault on Sicily on July 9–10, 1943, Parle was officer-in-charge of small boats aboard LST-375. A smoke pot was accidentally ignited in a boat carrying high explosives, detonating fuses, and ammunition. Realizing that an explosion could damage the ship, kill personnel, and reveal the impending assault to enemy forces, Parle entered the craft through fire and dense smoke. He removed the immediate danger by extinguishing a burning fuse and throwing the smoke pot overboard.

Although his actions saved the mission from possible disaster, Parle inhaled toxic smoke and fumes. He died on July 17, 1943, at the age of 23. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for “valor and courage above and beyond the call of duty.” The destroyer escort USS Parle was later named in his honour.