Boatswain's Mate Alexander Parker, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, received the Medal of Honor for gallantry on July 25, 1876 at Mare Island Navy Yard, California — a peacetime act of courage recognized in the Interim 1871 - 1899 period. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Portsmouth. Parker was about 44 years old.
Parker was born in 1832 in Kensington, New Jersey. His Medal of Honor is credited to New Jersey. Parker died on October 2, 1900 in Vallejo, California, at the age of about 68. He is buried at Mare Island Cemetery in Vallejo, California.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For gallant conduct in attempting to save a shipmate from drowning at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, Cal., on 25 July 1876.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- 1832Born in Kensington, New Jersey
- July 25, 1876Act of valor — Mare Island Navy Yard, CaliforniaAge about 44. U.S.S. Portsmouth
- October 2, 1900Died in Vallejo, CaliforniaAge about 68.
- Resting placeMare Island CemeteryVallejo, California
Biography
Alexander Parker (August 1832 – October 2, 1900) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. Born in August 1832 in Kensington, New Jersey, Parker joined the Navy from that state. By July 25, 1876, he was serving as a boatswain's mate on the USS Portsmouth. On that day, at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California, he attempted to save a shipmate seaman named George Fordham from drowning. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor two weeks later, on August 9.
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