WWI sailor's dress uniform

Ernest N. Parker (1893–1948) of Fannin County wore this uniform while serving in the United States Navy during World War I. Before enlisting as an apprentice seaman on August 17, 1917, Parker worked on a family farm in Ivanhoe, Texas. He was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Station for training where he was promoted to Seaman 2nd Class.

Parker arrived at the U.S. Naval Air Station, an aircraft assembly and repair base, in Pauillac, France, on July 5, 1918. Parker remained in Pauillac until October 31, 1918, before being transferred to the U.S. Air Station in Brest, France. His time there was brief — by November 11, 1918, Armistice Day, his service ended. Parker returned to Fannin County following his discharge from the Navy and worked in the grocery business until his death.

He is buried with 2,500 other men from Fannin County who served in World War I. County records show that at least 62 died during the war.