Air Force Pilot Receives Rare Honor for Daring Mission Over Enemy Territory
In a rare display of valor, Lieutenant Colonel William "Skate" Parks, commander of an F-16 squadron, has been awarded the Silver Star, one of the nation's highest honors for bravery in combat. The award comes after Parks deliberately flew his jet into a heavily defended air-defense zone in the Middle East, dodging enemy missiles for 15 minutes despite being low on fuel.
Parks' actions during the mission not only crippled an enemy ballistic missile production facility but also saved the lives of his wingman and likely prevented the loss of two American aircraft. The decision to fly into danger was key to achieving the mission's objectives, according to the Air Force.
As Parks led a four-ship of F-16s on a Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission, he placed himself squarely in enemy crosshairs, prompting a barrage of precisely targeted missiles and anti-aircraft fire. Despite this, Parks successfully led his flight through a series of high-G maneuvers and countermeasures, with enemy missiles detonating mere feet from his aircraft.
The danger didn't end once the barrage stopped; Parks was still deep in enemy territory and below minimum fuel levels. He quickly coordinated an emergency rendezvous with tankers to keep the jets airborne long enough to reach safety, a move that likely prevented the loss of two aircraft.
The citation for the Silver Star concludes that Parks' "courageous and steadfast actions directly contributed to the survival of his wingman and himself." Air Force chief of staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach praised Parks' leadership, decisive action, and skill in the face of danger, saying it's a rare day when someone earns such an honor.
This award marks one of less than 100 Silver Stars earned by Department of the Air Force personnel during the Air Force era. Parks also received the Bronze Star Medal during the ceremony. The mission was part of an eight-month deployment where Parks and his squadron supported various operations, including countering Iranian-backed militants and hostile drone threats.
Parks' actions have been credited with pioneering cost-saving tactics that saved over $25 million and resulted in the first AIM-9M air-to-air kill in 30 years. The squadron recorded 108 aerial victories during the deployment, a modern Air Force record.
In a rare display of valor, Lieutenant Colonel William "Skate" Parks, commander of an F-16 squadron, has been awarded the Silver Star, one of the nation's highest honors for bravery in combat. The award comes after Parks deliberately flew his jet into a heavily defended air-defense zone in the Middle East, dodging enemy missiles for 15 minutes despite being low on fuel.
Parks' actions during the mission not only crippled an enemy ballistic missile production facility but also saved the lives of his wingman and likely prevented the loss of two American aircraft. The decision to fly into danger was key to achieving the mission's objectives, according to the Air Force.
As Parks led a four-ship of F-16s on a Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission, he placed himself squarely in enemy crosshairs, prompting a barrage of precisely targeted missiles and anti-aircraft fire. Despite this, Parks successfully led his flight through a series of high-G maneuvers and countermeasures, with enemy missiles detonating mere feet from his aircraft.
The danger didn't end once the barrage stopped; Parks was still deep in enemy territory and below minimum fuel levels. He quickly coordinated an emergency rendezvous with tankers to keep the jets airborne long enough to reach safety, a move that likely prevented the loss of two aircraft.
The citation for the Silver Star concludes that Parks' "courageous and steadfast actions directly contributed to the survival of his wingman and himself." Air Force chief of staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach praised Parks' leadership, decisive action, and skill in the face of danger, saying it's a rare day when someone earns such an honor.
This award marks one of less than 100 Silver Stars earned by Department of the Air Force personnel during the Air Force era. Parks also received the Bronze Star Medal during the ceremony. The mission was part of an eight-month deployment where Parks and his squadron supported various operations, including countering Iranian-backed militants and hostile drone threats.
Parks' actions have been credited with pioneering cost-saving tactics that saved over $25 million and resulted in the first AIM-9M air-to-air kill in 30 years. The squadron recorded 108 aerial victories during the deployment, a modern Air Force record.
what's crazy is how much skill & bravery goes into these missions nobody ever talks about. I mean, it's one thing to fly fast & shoot missiles but another to put yourself in that kind of danger with low fuel & enemy fire all around you 
gotta say, this dude Parks is a total legend! flying into enemy territory with low fuel levels? that's just insane 
. and to think he did all this without losing any of his squadron 
, just saw this news about LT COL Parks and I'm literally shook 
, flying low on fuel into enemy territory with no safety net? Mind blown 
. The skill and courage required for that mission is UNREAL 
. And the fact that they were able to cripple an enemy ballistic missile production facility? Pure genius 
. The Air Force is lucky to have him 
, and I'm hyped to see what he does next! 
.
. I think what really stands out about Parks' actions is the fact that he didn't just do it for himself, but also for his wingman and the entire squadron. He put their lives at risk to save them, which is just incredible.
that's what being brave really means. And the fact that he came out on top is just insane 
anyway, can we just give it up for Lieutenant Colonel Skate Parks already 
. seriously though, it's wild that someone has to go full die hard to get an award like this. and 108 aerial victories in one deployment? that's some next level bs. but for real tho, 25 million dollars saved is no joke - maybe parks can treat himself to a new car or something 
. I'm all about heroes like Lieutenant Colonel Parks who put themselves in harm's way to get the job done 
? He's not only got skills for days but also a ton of guts 
. 25 million bucks saved? Mind. Blown 
- 15 minutes of dodging missiles? that's like playing a video game with your life on the line 
.
. The Air Force is definitely recognizing some top-notch talent with this Silver Star award 
. it's not just about flying fast and shooting first, it's about strategy and teamwork 
.
. It's amazing the Air Force is giving him this Silver Star honor, 100 of them have been earned by Department personnel since when? Crazy 
. This Silver Star award is totally deserved though, like who else can say they've been honored with such a prestigious award? 
The fact that this happened during an 8-month deployment makes me even more impressed by his bravery and leadership 
. His squadron recorded 108 aerial victories which is a record