On July 18, 1918, at 27 years old, Second Lieutenant Samuel Parker and the men from the 28th Inf. Reg. were deep into an attack near Soissons, France.
As casualties began to mount, Parker lead the remainder of his company through heavy fire, taking out 6 MG nests and capturing 40 prisoners...all while being wounded in the foot. He then led his men in holding off a viscious counter attack, crawling on his hands and knees, holding the line until all enemies were killed or pushed back.
For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
A few months later, Parker was once again leading his men into an attack when he single handedly ran 150 yards under heavy fire towards an MG nest, killing the crew with his pistol.
With the remainder of his depleted platoon and completely surrounded, Parker held the town of Exermont until reinforcements arrived.
For this, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, on top of his 2 Silver Stars, 2 Purple Hearts and much more... making him the single most decorated infantryman of the First World War.
He passed away at the age of 84 in 1975 from raptured balls. #ww1 #hero #leadtheway #stayzero #zerofoxtrot