Lieutenant Colonel William “Skate” Parks faced a harrowing reality over enemy territory: a relentless barrage of missiles, dwindling fuel, and the weight of his wingman’s life in the balance. His extraordinary courage and skill under fire have now been recognized with the Silver Star, a testament to a mission that pushed the boundaries of aerial combat.
The mission, undertaken in early 2025, was a daring strike against enemy ballistic missile production facilities. As commander of the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Parks led a 21-aircraft package, personally spearheading a four-ship of F-16s tasked with drawing enemy fire – a role demanding both precision and immense bravery.
Parks deliberately flew his formation into the heart of the most heavily defended airspace, a calculated risk to cripple the enemy’s capabilities. Almost immediately, a storm of precisely targeted missiles and anti-aircraft fire erupted around them. What followed was a brutal 15-minute struggle for survival.
For a quarter of an hour, Parks expertly maneuvered his F-16 through a deadly dance of high-G turns and deployed countermeasures, with enemy missiles exploding alarmingly close to his aircraft. He wasn’t just fighting for the mission; he was shielding his formation from annihilation.
Even after the initial onslaught subsided, the danger remained acute. Deep within enemy territory and critically low on fuel, Parks orchestrated a desperate plan. He coordinated emergency refuelings with two separate tankers, a critical maneuver that likely prevented the loss of two aircraft and ensured the safe return of his team.
The citation accompanying the Silver Star explicitly credits Parks’ actions with the survival of his wingman and himself. His courageous leadership and unwavering resolve directly countered a lethal threat, turning a potentially catastrophic situation into a hard-fought victory.
Presenting the award, Air Force Chief of Staff General Ken Wilsbach emphasized the exceptional nature of the honor. Fewer than 100 Silver Stars have been awarded during the Air Force era, making Parks’ achievement a truly rare distinction.
Parks’ eight-month deployment was marked by consistent success against a rising tide of threats. His squadron, the 480th EFS, achieved a record-breaking 108 aerial victories against enemy drones and cruise missiles, protecting vital assets and personnel across the region.
Beyond his combat prowess, Parks demonstrated remarkable ingenuity, pioneering cost-saving tactics that maximized existing resources. He repurposed older rockets and prioritized established missile variants, saving over $25 million without compromising effectiveness – even achieving the first AIM-9M air-to-air kill in three decades.
Six of the squadron’s victories directly defended the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and its crew of over 5,000 sailors. Parks himself personally evaded five separate surface-to-air missile engagements targeting his aircraft, showcasing his exceptional skill and situational awareness.
Reflecting on the mission, Parks described the stark contrast between the isolating fear of being alone over hostile territory and the overwhelming relief of reconnecting with friendly forces. His desperate calls for assistance – “We’re out of gas. I need tankers moved” – were ultimately answered, guiding him and his team to safety.
The Silver Star holds particular significance for Parks, stemming from a long family legacy of aviation service spanning multiple generations and conflicts. It’s a tribute not only to his individual bravery but also to the enduring spirit of service that defines his family’s history.
