George M. Parker (United States Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Marshall Parker Jr.
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| Born | April 17, 1889 Sac City, Iowa |
| Died | October 23, 1968 (aged 79) Portland, Oregon |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1910–1946 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | Philippine II Corps |
| Battles/wars | Pancho Villa Expedition World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
George Marshall Parker Jr. (born April 17, 1889 – died October 23, 1968) was a high-ranking officer in the United States Army. He reached the rank of Major General. General Parker led the Philippine II Corps during a very important battle called the Battle of Bataan in World War II.
Contents
Life and Military Career
George Marshall Parker Jr. was born and grew up in Iowa. He joined the U.S. Army in 1910 as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry.
Rising Through the Ranks
Parker showed great skill and dedication. He became a Major during World War I. He also attended important military schools. He graduated from the Command and General Staff School in 1923. Two years later, he finished the Army War College in 1925. These schools helped him become a better leader.
He continued to earn promotions. By October 1934, he was a Lieutenant Colonel. In January 1939, he became a Colonel.
World War II and the Philippines
Just before Japan invaded the Philippines, Parker was sent there. In April 1941, he was promoted to Brigadier General.
On November 4, 1941, General Parker was put in charge of the Southern Luzon Force (SLF). This group included two Philippine Army divisions. Their job was to protect the southern part of Luzon island from any enemy landings.
The Battle of Bataan
On December 23, 1941, after the Japanese had landed, General Douglas MacArthur ordered a plan called War Plan Orange. This plan meant that the SLF had to move to Bataan.
The very next day, Parker was made commander of the Bataan Defense Force. He was also promoted to Major General. On January 6, 1942, his force became known as the Philippine II Corps. They played a key role in the long and difficult Battle of Bataan.
Prisoner of War
General Parker and his II Philippine Corps had to surrender on April 9, 1942. He became a prisoner of war (POW) of the Japanese. He remained a prisoner until Japan surrendered in August 1945. He was one of 18 American Army generals captured in the Philippines during the war.
Later Life
General Parker retired from the Army on September 30, 1946. He moved to Oregon and later passed away in Portland on October 23, 1968. He was buried in Salem, Oregon.
Awards and Honors
General George Marshall Parker Jr. received several important awards for his service:
- Army Distinguished Service Medal: This award is given for very important service to the government in a position of great responsibility.
- Prisoner of War Medal: This medal is given to those who were held as prisoners of war.
- Mexican Border Service Medal: For service during the Pancho Villa Expedition along the U.S.-Mexico border.
- World War I Victory Medal: For his service in World War I.
- American Defense Service Medal: For military service between 1939 and 1941, before the U.S. officially entered World War II.
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal: For serving in the Pacific theater during World War II.
- World War II Victory Medal: For his service during World War II.
- Philippine Defense Medal: For defending the Philippines.
