Gunter, Parmer Ray

Headstone of Parmer R Gunter

NPS Photo/B.Hayes

Quick Facts

Significance:

612th Tank Destroyer Battalion

Place of Birth:

Cannon County, Tennessee

Date of Birth:

January 17, 1922

Place of Death:

Belgium

Date of Death:

December 17, 1944

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

Parmer Ray Gunter was born in 1922 in Cannon County, Tennessee, and later lived in Woodbury, Tennessee. On December 20, 1942, he was drafted and enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country during World War II.

Gunter rose to the rank of Private First Class and served in the 612th Tank Destroyer Battalion, a field artillery unit that played a critical role in halting enemy armor and supporting infantry on the front lines. He was killed in action on December 17, 1944, in Belgium, likely during the intense fighting of the Battle of the Bulge, one of the largest and bloodiest battles fought by U.S. forces in the war. For his meritorious service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Parmer Ray Gunter is laid to rest at Stones River National Cemetery in Plot P-6260.