Seaman First Class Fess Elisha Parker Jr, A Sailor's Story

 

Seaman First Class Fess Elisha Parker Jr. - A Sailor's Story

Seaman First Class Fess Elisha Parker Jr.

Born August 15, 1924 - Died March 18, 2010

Seaman First Class Fess Elisha Parker Jr. was born on August 15, 1924, in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from San Angelo High School, where he was a football player and an active student.

In response to World War II, Parker enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1944. He initially set his sights on becoming a pilot, but at 6 feet 6 inches tall, he was too large for the aircraft cockpits of the time. Undeterred, he transferred to gunnery training, hoping to serve as a tail gunner—only to discover he was too tall for that as well.

Having previously taken Morse code classes, Parker was instead assigned as a radioman with a Marine assault unit. He deployed to the Pacific aboard the USS Clay (APA-39). While en route, the U.S. launched the atomic attacks on Japan, effectively ending the war. Parker spent the remainder of his service aboard the YMS-344, helping to clear naval mines around the Philippine Islands.

After his honorable discharge in 1946, Parker attended Hardin–Simmons University briefly before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in history in 1950 and became a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He later pursued a master’s degree in Theater History at the University of Southern California.

Parker began his acting career in 1951, first appearing as an extra in Mr. Roberts and later in Untamed Frontier. He soon signed a contract with Warner Bros., appearing in a series of westerns before landing his breakout role as Davy Crockett in 1955. The role made him a household name and a symbol of American frontier spirit.

He later signed with Disney, starring in several films, including Old Yeller (1957). In 1964, Parker took on another iconic frontier role as Daniel Boone, a part he portrayed until 1970, when he essentially retired from acting.

Following his Hollywood career, Parker became a successful businessman, opening several ventures, including a resort in Santa Barbara and an award-winning vineyard.

Seaman First Class Fess Parker passed away on March 18, 2010, and rests at Santa Barbara Cemetery in California.

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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller based in Tontitown, Arkansas.

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

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