The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-04-08
oUT-THTNKs HITLER

The Pony Express Courier, print. cd in Placerville, California, form- erly known by the rather unique name of "Hanetown", salutes Gen eral John Henry Parker Colonel
 Machine Gun" Parker to Water- bury veterans of World War No, l0 far having "out-thought" Hlt- Ter and modern-day military strate- gists, Had General Parker's advice been followed, the war picture to- day as far as United States forces are concerned, would be somewhat different.
 Incidentally, General Parker was in Waterbury two years ago attend- ing the state convention of the D. A. V. when he was officially notified Of hiS promotion from colonel to general. The Pony Express Couriers editorial gives sufileient information concerning his military background and his experiences, hiS personal courage and valor, to make another introduction superfluous.
 One of the several interesting speculationS about the editorial concerns the author. Many VF.W. members in Waterbury will note several familiar expressions which will justify them in thinking that former Connecticut resident wrote or inspired the tribute to General Parker. However, here's how the Pony Express Courier goes to town on that picturesque, beloved hero Of the big fight in i0i7-i8 who Is known to scores of Waterbury ex- servicemen:
 There is one retired General in the American army who not only holds the record for cited bravery with 27 medals, but he also holds, in the humble opinion of the writer, the greatest record as a far-slght- cd soothsayer. Ills predictions have been astounding-enough to defy the oracle of Delphi. Like the shep- herd boy he has breathed intoxieat- ing vapors around some cave at the foot of Q Sierra Mountain in place Of Parnassus, which has filled him with the correct prophetic inspira- ton.
 General John Henry Parker, West Point '02, has set on the tripod, and is built on the triangle = well for- tlfied with philosophy, history and StatesmanShip. The 75 year old vet- eran, who led his men into many battles and not tagged behind them, is well fitted for the presidency. He would make as good on the job aS any man in the country, because he knows what needs to be done, and how to do 1t rapidly and fearlessly, On account of his historical side your correspondent made his ac- quaintance through U. s. Attorney Miles Pike in Reno, where the old war horse has holed in because he likes Nevada people and their ways, He likes the gamblers of the town because they're good citizens. When he heard that Square Shooting Jack Sullivan, Sourdough manager of the Bank Club, had walked l02 miles with his pack on his back, in the Klondike Days of Alaska, he want cd to meet him. He likes men on his acquaintance list "who have been through the mill, and got guts."
 Before unfolding this Generals prophetic ability, let us give an hur- ried sketch of his most colorful background. Without reciting his West Point days, or the days of his parents in Missouri when the men shot Indians and their wives made bullets with molds while they did 1t, we will go direct to his war record not telling long stories about where he won all his medals. Just about all the military leaders from Persh- ing to the MacArthurs, both father and son, have rubbed shoulders with this man of action and ones who saw plenty of 1t.
 In Cuba, in '08, he was hauled back from the lines to swear in fellow as Colonel because that fel- low wanted him to. This man of gutS who recognized Parker as an- other of his clan was the then fu- tIre president Teddy Roosevelt. Parker did the job, as requested. though only a Captain, and went back to his guns and stayed there till the war was won. Being shot a few times didn't stop him.
 Along came 1916, and the expedi- tionary force in Mexico, Chihuahua was the center of activity. Pershing was made 6 General by President wilson, and the former wanted none other than his old fighting partner in Cuba and the Philippines, to swear him in, and administer the oath of office. Hence there on the