Rank / Rating: CAPT-Captain
On August 4, 1938, Edward enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. During his service he rose from the level of Private to becoming a Captain on July 31, 1944.
Captain Parke went aboard USS Indianapolis CA-35, while she was in the Mariana Islands, on September 1, 1944, as the commanding officer of the 28 United States Marine Corps crew members on board. On September 29, 1944, he wrote a letter to his father expressing enthusiasm for his new assignment stating he was "more than satisfied with my new command." However, he informed his father that his letters would probably be less frequent since mail was only sent from ports and being in port was something that Indianapolis "doesn't know much about."
In November 1944, Edward was granted leave to the US for 10 days. He wrote a letter to his father from San Francisco, CA.
The USS Indianapolis Dec 1944 War Diary recorded, "Dec 13 - At quarters this afternoon, the Captain presented awards: the Bronze Star Medal to Capt E. L. Parke, USMC." There is no other notation in the diary stating why this award was made. This writer believes this was the Bronze Star that was awarded to Edward in late 1943 for his performance during the Defense of Vella LaVella, Solomon Islands during August through October, 1943. Due to the demands of the war, it was not unusual for the award to be presented a year or more later with some not presented until after the war.
His father would not hear from him again until April 10, 1945. Edward informed his father than Indianapolis had taken part in the first two raids on Tokyo and participated in the occupation of Iwo Jima.
In a letter of May 2, 1945, Edward informed his father than he was back in the US having arrived that morning. He did not mention why his ship was back. Indy was in dry dock at Mare Island, Vallejo, CA for repairs from a kamikaze attack at Okinawa on March 31, 1945.
Edward wrote a letter home on Thursday, June 28, 1945. He surprised his father by telling him that he had married Miss Eleanor Wright of Chicago, IL the previous Saturday, June 23, 1945. Also, he described his financial affairs saying, "I don't intend to sound morbid, but for the past six months it is beginning to look as if my luck might not hold out. Each time things get a little closer. I don't intend to get killed, but I am really not in the least afraid of anything that might happen. Anyway, if anything should happen to me I figure that you and mother should be the ones to receive any benefits that may result from it." Lastly, he mentions his wife "Mary", was living with friends in Chicago but planned to leave there in early July and travel to Washington, DC. "I hope - when you meet her - you two will like each other."
This would be his last letter ever written.
On August 12, 1945, Edward's father received a telegram informing him his son was missing in action. It was not until September 15, 1945 that Mr. Parke received a second telegram officially declaring his son's death. Shortly after, a package arrived in the mail. It was probably no surprise to Mr. Parke that his son died a hero.
Mr. Parke held the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in his hand and read the enclosed citation:
"For heroic conduct while attached to the USS Indianapolis, following the sinking of that vessel by enemy Japanese forces, three hundred miles north of the Palau Islands, in July 1945.
Struggling in the oil-covered sea for a period of three days without food, drinking water or a life raft, Captain Parke worked continuously to keep together a group of survivors from the sinking ship and to rescue those who were helpless or in difficulty.
Voluntarily giving away his own life jacket to support the exhausted on several occasions, he persisted in his self-sacrificing efforts on behalf of his men until he collapsed from complete exhaustion.
A leader of indomitable courage, Captain Parke, by his devotion to others, saved the lives of many who otherwise might have perished and his valiant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
Capt. Charles B. McVay had recommended Edward be awarded the Navy Cross posthumously, and submitted the following citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in rescuing and organizing a large group of men following the sinking of the USS Indianapolis on 30 July 1945. Struggling in oil-covered water and without food, drinking water, or life rafts, he worked constantly for three days, keeping the group together and rounding up stragglers and rescuing men in difficulty. On several occasions he gave away his own life jacket to support exhausted men, finally collapsing himself from exhaustion. His unselfish conduct in the face of the greatest personal danger was outstanding and in keeping with the highest tradition of the Naval Service.”
No record has been found that the Navy awarded the Navy Cross to Capt. Parke. It can only be assumed that the recommendation for the Navy Cross was denied and Capt. McVay submitted a second recommendation for the Navy and Marine Corps Medal.
A hero from us was lost on July 30, 1945. Edward, you are not forgotten.
The above bio was developed from an article entitled, "From Parris Island to the Pacific, The Service of Edward Leroy Parke In His Own Words" by Alisa M. Whitley, 2020. Whitley used the original letters from Capt. Parke to his father, now in the Marine Corps Archives, History Division, Quantico, VA.
The article by Whitley is widely available on the Internet. The author of this bio recommends the complete article be read as it provides an in depth look into the USMC service of Parke. This short bio presents only a highlight of what should be known and remembered about this hero of the US Marines and USS Indianapolis CA-35.
Note:
Edward Leroy Parke was a Staff Sergeant when he was recommended for appointment to the grade of second lieutenant. Due to his age, 28, he was ineligible for a commission in the Marine Corps Reserve, but eligible for a temporary commission in the Marine Corps which is where he was commissioned in July 1942.
