Michael J. Parker was inducted into the Army on Oct. 25, 1965, following his graduation from Superior, Wis. Central High School. He completed basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. with Company A First Battalion Third Brigade. Following a short Christmas visit with family, he completed training at Ft. Sill, Okla. in small Howitzers and Ft. Carson, Col. in ammunition supply.

On Sept. 18, 1966, Michael arrived in Bien Hoa, Vietnam (north of Saigon). He served as a perimeter guard in this area as well as at Play Cu and An Khe (1st Platoon B Battery 29th Artillery). He was then transferred to Qui Nhon to serve with the 29th Artillery to prepare and deliver Zeon lights, for use in the field and various light positions. He manned on of the lights in Phan Rang area, west of the base camp, giving support to the 101st Airborne Division.

In the spring of 1967, Michael was transferred to Da Nang to serve with the G Battery of the 29th, attached to the 11th Marines. He manned a Zeon light on the Song Cau Do Bridge until the night of his first R & R (rest & relaxation). The bridge was blown up that night. Michael remained at the bridge wreckage site for a few days and was then assigned to Elephant Valley to give light support to 1st Recon, the 3/9 and 5/9 Marines.

He departed Cam Ranh Bay on Sept. 18, 1967, arriving in Ft. Lewis, Wash. with an honorable discharge that same day. Michael says, “I am honored to have served with the people in my units and proud of those we gave support."