Edwin P. Parker Jr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Edwin Pearson Parker Jr.
Born	(1891-07-27)July 27, 1891 Wytheville, Virginia
Died	June 7, 1983(1983-06-07) (aged 91) Washington, D.C.
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1912–1953
Rank	Major General
Unit	Field Artillery Branch
Commands held	Provost Marshal General XXIII Corps 78th Infantry Division
Battles/wars	Pancho Villa Expedition World War I World War II Battle of the Bulge Battle of Hürtgen Forest Battle of Kesternich Battle of Remagen Ruhr Pocket
Awards	Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal (2)

Edwin Pearson Parker Jr. (July 27, 1891 – June 7, 1983) was a major general in the United States Army. He led the 78th Infantry Division during important battles in World War II. These included campaigns in Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland, and Central Europe. His division was known as "Lightning." They played a key role in capturing the Ludendorff Bridge during the Battle of Remagen.

After the war, General Parker served in Germany. He was the commander of XXIII Corps. He finished his long career as the U.S. Army Provost Marshal General. This role meant he was in charge of the Army's military police.

Early Military Career

Edwin P. Parker Jr. was born on July 27, 1891. His hometown was Wytheville, Virginia. He went to George Washington University. In 1912, he joined the Army's Field Artillery Branch.

Parker served on the Mexican Border during the Pancho Villa Expedition. During World War I, he was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. After the war ended in November 1918, he went to France. He helped with the occupation of the Rhineland.

Later, Parker returned to the United States. He taught military science at Ohio State University and Harvard University. He also attended advanced military schools. These included the Army Field Artillery School and the Army Command and Staff College.

He became known as an expert in artillery. He wrote many articles for The Field Artillery Journal. In 1935, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He then attended the Army War College. He finished his studies there in 1937.

World War II Service

In June 1941, Parker became a Colonel. He was put in charge of training artillery soldiers at Fort Bragg. He was promoted to Brigadier General in October 1941. He trained many artillery troops until June 1942.

Then, he became a Major General. He was given a special job. He had to create and train the 78th Infantry Division. This division was formed at Camp Butner, North Carolina. Parker was responsible for training thousands of soldiers quickly. These soldiers were sent to fight in different parts of the world.

In March 1943, the 78th Division began its own intense combat training. They practiced in South Carolina and Tennessee. In August 1944, parts of the division helped restore order during a strike in Philadelphia.

The 78th Division then traveled to England. They arrived on October 14, 1944. By late November, they were in Belgium. On December 5, the division joined the First Army. They were sent to the front lines.

General Parker's division attacked the village of Kesternich. This was part of the Siegfried Line, a German defense system. It was a very tough fight for the new division. They lost many soldiers in December 1944.

The 78th Division held their ground against German attacks. They finally captured Kesternich on February 2, 1945. They then took the town of Schmidt and the important Schwammanauel Dam.

Parker and his division continued to advance. They reached the Rhine river. They helped capture the Ludendorff Bridge during the Battle of Remagen in March 1945. This bridge was very important for the Allied forces.

His division then fought in the Ruhr Pocket. Their last major action was capturing Wuppertal on April 17, 1945. The 78th Division then rested. Nazi Germany surrendered on May 8, 1945.

For his brave service in World War II, General Parker received many awards. These included the Army Distinguished Service Medal and the Silver Star. He also received awards from France and Belgium.

After the War

After Germany surrendered, the 78th Division helped with occupation duties. They were in areas like Kassel and Fulda. General Parker was in charge of managing the German people. He also helped with the return of prisoners of war and displaced persons. These were people forced to work by the Nazis. They came from countries like Poland, France, and Russia.

In September 1945, Parker became commander of XXIII Corps. This corps was based in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. He later became the Inspector-General for U.S. forces in Europe.

In 1947, he returned to the United States. He became Deputy Commanding General of the Fifth United States Army. In April 1948, he was appointed Provost Marshal of the United States Army.

As Provost Marshal, he managed the Military Police Corps. He also oversaw investigations for the Army. He traveled worldwide to inspect U.S. Army stations. General Parker retired on February 4, 1953. He had served for 41 years.

Retirement and Passing

After retiring from the Army, General Parker lived in Washington, D.C.. From 1960 to 1970, he worked as the Business Manager for the St. Albans School for Boys.

Major General Edwin P. Parker Jr. passed away on June 7, 1983. He was 91 years old. He is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington. His wife, Hannah, is buried next to him. They had three sons: Henry, Edwin III, and Nicholson. All three sons also served their country.

Decorations

Here are some of the awards Major General Parker received: