JACKSON W. PARKER, ENS, USN

Jackson Parker '43

Date of birth: April 13, 1921

Date of death: October 26, 1942

Age: 21

Lucky Bag

From the 1943 Lucky Bag:

JACKSON WELCH PARKER

Bonita, Mississippi

After hearing Jack sing in the shower, one could easily guess that he came from the deepest South. From the land of the magnolias, he came to the academy to become a naval officer instead of a brick manufacturer. During those numerous free periods, you could always find Jack somewhere making a five bid out of a possible four. His favorite pastimes were bridge, handball, swimming, and reading. There was always time in his schedule for plenty of fun and a good time. Jack is constant and sure in his duties. In the race with the Academic departments, he barely missed obtaining those coveted stars.

The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

JACKSON WELCH PARKER

Bonita, Mississippi

After hearing Jack sing in the shower, one could easily guess that he came from the deepest South. From the land of the magnolias, he came to the academy to become a naval officer instead of a brick manufacturer. During those numerous free periods, you could always find Jack somewhere making a five bid out of a possible four. His favorite pastimes were bridge, handball, swimming, and reading. There was always time in his schedule for plenty of fun and a good time. Jack is constant and sure in his duties. In the race with the Academic departments, he barely missed obtaining those coveted stars.

The Class of 1943 was graduated in June 1942 due to World War II. The entirety of 2nd class (junior) year was removed from the curriculum.

Loss

Jack was one of 57 men lost aboard USS Smith (DD 378) on October 26, 1942 when the ship was heavily damaged by attacking aircraft while screening USS Enterprise (CV 6) and USS Hornet (CV 8).

Other Information

The ship was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for her action that day.

From the Class of 1943 anniversary book "25 years later…":

Jack was born on 13 April, 1921 in Bonita, Mississippi. He was appointed from Mississippi and entered the Academy on 28 June, 1939. After graduation he reported to the destroyer USS SMITH in combat in the South Pacific. During the Battle of Santa Cruz on 26 October, 1942, the SMITH was defending the carrier ENTERPRISE against a wave of Japanese Torpedo Planes when one of the aircraft, torpedo and all, flung itself into the SMITH’s forecastle which erupted into a shower of flame. The SMITH was saved but with the loss of many lives including Jack's. He wore the Purple Heart, the American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign, and the Presidential Unit Citation earned during the day Jack was killed. He was survived by his mother, Mrs. Mary Octabia Parker who at Jack's death resided in Bonita, Mississippi.

From researcher Kathy Franz:

In his youth, Jackson went by Jack in school and census records. As a junior at Meridian High School in 1936-37, he was class president. “Jack is a charter member of the National Honor Society, and has led in scholastic endeavors since his grammar school days.” He continued as a junior college freshman at Meridian High School in 1938-39.
His father W. L. was a brick manufacturer, mother Mary, brothers Paul, Harold and Fred, and sister Hellen.