Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

or
  • Filter Recipient Database here
    • Service Branch
    • Conflict / Era
    • Additional Filters
      -  
    or

World War II - U.S. Army

Laverne Parrish

Details
  • Rank: Technician Fourth Grade
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    Medical Detachment, 161st Infantry,
    25th Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: January 18 - 24, 1945
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Binalonan, Luzon, Philippine Islands
Citation

He was medical aidman with Company C during the fighting in Binalonan, Luzon, Philippine Islands. On the 18th, he observed two wounded men under enemy fire and immediately went to their rescue. After moving one to cover, he crossed 25 yards of open ground to administer aid to the second. In the early hours of the 24th, his company, crossing an open field near San Manuel, encountered intense enemy fire and was ordered to withdraw to the cover of a ditch. While treating casualties, Technician Parrish observed two wounded still in the field. Without hesitation he left the ditch, crawled forward under enemy fire, and in two successive trips brought both men to safety. He next administered aid to 12 casualties in the same field, crossing and recrossing the open area raked by hostile fire. Making successive trips, he then brought three wounded to cover. After treating nearly all of the 37 casualties suffered by his company, he was mortally wounded by mortar fire, and shortly after was killed. The indomitable spirit, intrepidity, and gallantry of Technician Parrish saved many lives at the cost of his own.

Medal of Honor Recipient Laverne Parrish
Medal of Honor Recipient Laverne Parrish
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Ronan, Lake County, Montana
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: June 25, 1945

    The White House, presented by Pres. Harry S. Truman

  • Born: July 16, 1918, Knox City, Knox County, MO, United States
  • Died: January 24, 1945, Philippine Islands
  • Buried: Mountain View Cemetery (MH) (7-7-4), Ronan, MT, United States
  • Location of Medal: Montana Military Museum, Fort Harrison, MT
 

Questions? For More Information Contact Us!