One of seven Montanans to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, the country’s highest award for valor in the armed forces, Technician Fourth Grade Laverne Parris came from the farms of Pablo, Mont., to become one of the many gallant heroes of World War II.
Parrish enlisted in 1941, served with the Medical Detachment, 161st Infantry, 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army and spent several years overseas. It was while stationed in the Philippine Islands that he made the ultimate sacrifice to this country. Fearlessly crossing open terrain under heavy fire, Parrish was able to treat nearly all of the 37 casualties his company suffered before being mortally wounded by mortar fire.
Citation: “While treating the casualties, Technician Parrish observed 2 wounded still in the field. Without hesitation he left the ditch, crawled forward under enemy fire, and in 2 successive trips brought both men to safety. He next administered aid to 12 casualties in the same field, crossing and re-crossing the open area raked by hostile fire.”