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<em>Michael Gramling Parr</em> was born into the United States Army on 13 June 1945 in York, Pennsylvania. Being an "Army Brat," his first overseas journey was made at the early age of 13 months. In July 1946, he accompanied his mother to Germany to join his Dad who was stationed there. In July 1968, at age 23, First Lieutenant Mike Parr made another trip to a foreign shore. This time to Vietnam. He volunteered to go and was proud of his uniform with Ranger Patch and Parachute badge which he earned while serving with the 82d Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, N.C.</p>
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On 27 November 1968 as Commander of A Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, Mike was killed in action. He died the way he lived; thinking of others first. For Gallantry in Action, he was awarded the Silver Star, and for Meritorious Service in connection with Military Operations against a hostile force, the Bronze Star Medal. He was a loyal, brave and dedicated soldier and citizen. Duty, Honor, Country were the values he always defended during his life. The Silver Star citation reads: "On 27 of November 1968, after landing near a suspected Communist Base Camp, Co. A came under an intense volume of Viet Cong fire sustaining several casualties. Lt. Parr immediately organized a small force and led them forward to extract the wounded. As they were evacuating the wounded, the rescue element came under withering hostile fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lt. Parr exposed himself to the deadly insurgents fire as he led an element against the aggressors. While he was leading his men forward, Lt. Parr was mortally wounded. His valorous actions were responsible for the saving of several lives and the defeat of the hostile force. Lt. Parr's personal bravery, aggressiveness and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service.”</p>
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From early boyhood, while living on numerous Army Posts, Mike always said he would like to go to USMA and become a "career soldier." While living at Fort Bragg, he especially enjoyed being able to watch the men of the 82d Airborne Division make their Parachute jumps. When he returned there ten years later as a Second Lieutenant, it was like going home. He became a jump-master and enjoyed jumping as often as he could on the same landing zones he had gone to so often before, as a wide-eyed young spectator. It was while living at Fort Bragg as a youngster that he became interested in baseball, scouting, and rifle shooting. Throughout his young life, his leadership qualities were evident. He was always ready and willing to help, and could be depended upon by his adult leaders to instruct and lead others. In high school he was a member of ROTC, and in his senior year was the Cadet Colonel in his unit. He was on the drill team and the rifle team. He earned his numerals as a member of the rifle team as a Plebe at the Academy. He was a Life Scout and an Explorer Scout and always enjoyed the frequent camping trips.</p>
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Mike was an idealist, and as the song "The Quest" from the musical version of Don Quixote says in part: "To dream the impossible dream; To fight the unbeatable foe; To bear the unbearable sorrow; To nin where the brave dare not go; To right the unrightable wrong; To love pure and chaste from afar; To try when your arms are too weary; To reach the unreachable star." This was Lieutenant Mike Parr; beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, and friend.</p>
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In June 1967, he was filled with pride to be sworn in as a Second Lieutenant U.S. Army by his father. It was also a memorable day for his family and friends when General Ted Conway, a classmate of Mike's Dad, presented him with the Class of 33 gift that each son receives upon graduation. It was a beautiful graduation, one that will be remembered by all who were there. The Class of '67 looked so fine as they marched in to receive their diplomas. It had been four years of long, hard work for Mike, but he had always been loyal to the Corps.</p>
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Mike was always considerate of others, and even with problems of his own, his main concern was of his family and friends. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Barnds said of him, “He was a very thoughtful young man. While he was at West Point, he always sent me a Christmas Card and note.” A classmate wrote. “Ever since I met Mike three and a half years ago, I have admired and respected him as a quiet, intelligent, capable and loyal friend. He managed to look upon all situations with a calm and an insight that inspired success. I truly believe that his presence helped account for the betterment of all situations of which he was a part.”</p>
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Not only did Mike serve his country, but he was faithful to his God. Before entering the Military Academy he had always been an Acolyte in Army Chapels, and as a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Fort Worth, Texas, he served as Crucifer. Another friend wrote: “You must certainly be strengthened by the knowledge that Mike died in the Service of his Country, a task which he courageously embraced with a sense of Duty, and that finally he has won a great victory in the achievement of a true peace.”</p>
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On 9 December 1968, Mike was laid to rest with full Military Honors at West Point. He has joined the Long Gray Line along with his other brave classmates, and a former roommate, who gave their lives in Vietnam. He will be missed greatly by his family and friends, but his memory will always be strong in our hearts and minds.</p>
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“He is not dead—he is just away”</p>
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“Rest in Peace, Michael dear, Till we meet again”</p>
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<em>—Your family and friend</em></p>