Donald Fredrick Parker

Lance Corporal
A CO, 1ST AMTRACS, 3RD MARDIV
United States Marine Corps
13 May 1946 - 20 January 1968
Dalton, GA
Panel 34E Line 091

Donald F Parker
Donald Parker (left), "Gunner", Tom McVey
3RD MARDIV Purple Heart, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for Donald Fredrick Parker

In memory of a fallen Marine brother.

We were from the same hometown. We knew the place where our youth and dreams went -- to war in Vietnam. But you did not come home. You are not forgotten. May you rest in peace.

Semper Fi
Lawrence Wells USMC 1964-68
Vietnam '65-'66


The Ultimate Sacrifice

Donald was always laughing and having fun. Although he was twenty-one years old, his towhead and mischievous grin made him appear much younger. Because of his light-hearted outlook on life, and boyish behavior, he was like a kid brother to the other Marines in his platoon. On the afternoon of 20 January 1968, 1st Amtracs was engaged in a battalion sized operation along the Cua Viet River some two kilometers from the South China Sea. Receiving orders to extract third platoon Bravo Co, which had been ambushed and pinned down, A Co came under heavy enemy automatic weapons and rocket fire. The fighting became so intense that artillery was called in on their own position before enemy forces broke contact.

During the battle, Donald's best friend Tom McVey took a round in the leg and lay in an exposed position on the battleground. Without regard for his own safety, and ignoring the heavy enemy fire, Donald attempted to reach McVey. He was shot in the chest and killed while trying to rescue his wounded friend. McVey, and the survivors of third platoon, were later rescued.

"Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends."
--- John 15:13 ---



A memorial initiated by a fellow Marine,
Lawrence Wells
wells2000@alltel.net 
17 Jun 2002



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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 08/10/2009