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"Every man. someday, will die Every man must have a calling If the twain should happen to coincide—then—Death is but a sleep.’'</p>
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These words were written by a man who was prepared to meet any situation of life that might face him. He was a man who was dedicated to serving his country but remained a devoted father and loving husband. This man was <em>Arthur Middleton Parker III</em>.</p>
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At the time of his death. Art was Senior Advisor to the 8th Battalion Vietnamese Airborne and was located southwest of Hue. On 25 May 1968, his men were loading wounded soldiers aboard a Medivac helicopter, and Art saw that his men were walking directly into the path of the rotor. They did not hear his warnings, so he rushed to push them out of the danger area. In doing so, he received the impact of the rotor. He died four days later aboard the USS Sanctuary.</p>
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Art was born on 7 May 1944, in Washington, D. C., but spent most of his life in Lake City, South Carolina, which he called home. He graduated from Lake City High School in 1962 where he excelled in all sports, held the title of Student Body President, and graduated with honors. He received appointments to Annapolis and West Point. When the Class of 1966 entered the United States Military Academy, Art was among its ranks.</p>
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As a Cadet, Art reflected all the qualities that the school catalogue enumerates as desirable for Cadets and future leaders. He had a unique ability to pursue any objective at full speed and not be distracted. As a result of this drive, there were few idle moments in his day. Art was a good student and would study at times others found more ideally suited to playing tennis, golf, squash, or any of the many sports he enjoyed. However, when his studies were completed, Art would certainly be found in the gym, on the golf course, or tennis courts striving to improve his game. In such pursuits he was particularly successful and presented fierce competition to all those who faced him.</p>
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Art was greatly admired for his persistence and spirit and also for his friendly, easy-going manner. He could be counted on to remain calm in situations that warranted a degree of panic from others, and he proved that tough obstacles could be overcome with a smile. It is unusual to see anyone so involved and yet meeting challenges with such optimistic calm. Such characteristics are certainly thove of a model Cadet; but, moreover, they represent an individual who loved life and who worked to make it productive for himself and for those with whom he lived and worked.</p>
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On 8 June 1966, Art was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry. He reported to Fort Benning in September, where he successfully completed Airborne and Ranger Schools. He then reported to Fort Bragg to be assigned with the 3d Battalion. 325th Infantry, 82d Airborne Dixision.</p>
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Art met Connie Leighliter in February of "Firsty” year and their wedding plans soon started to form. They were married on 4 March 1967, in St. Marys, West Virginia. Orders for Vietnam arrived that summer, and Art attended the MATA Course at Fort Bragg. Amidst the confusion of moxing and five weeks before Art was to leave for Vietnam, Arthur M. Parker IV, (Chip), was born on 26 November 1967. After settling the family in West Virginia, Art left for Vietnam on 3 January.</p>
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Art arrived just ahead of the TET Offensive and was later cited for displaying great perseverance, dedication to duty, and broad military knowledge, lie was noted for the inspiration he provided the Vietnamese soldiers and was instrumental in assisting them in successfully accomplishing their assigned missions. His professionalism, sound judgment, and personal courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.</p>
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Art was assigned Assistant Advisor with the Vietnamese Airborne and earned his Vietnamese Airborne wings shortly after his arrival with the unit. He felt honored to serve with such a fine unit and was completely dedicated to the Vietnamese cause. They, in tum, respected his dedication, and this was shown in a portion of a letter Connie received from an officer with whom Art had served: “...I cannot begin to tell you how highly your husband was regarded, not only by his American comrades but also by the personnel of the Airborne Division. His outstanding professional competence, his coolness in danger, and his concern for others earned for Art the respect and friendship of everyone who knew him. All of us have lost a cherished friend; the Vietnamese have lost a devoted comrade, and the Army has lost a gallant officer.”</p>
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Perhaps the verse that Art always carried with him and tried to follow each day explains his acceptance of any situation that confronted him:</p>
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“God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.”</p>
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Captain Parker is survived by his wife Connie, his son Chip, his parents, Mrs. Mary Rose Parker and Mr. Arthur M. Parker Jr., and a brother John.</p>