High-Risk Middle East Raid Destroyed Ballistic Missile Production Facility

Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks was awarded the Silver Star, one of the country’s highest honors for valor in combat, after he purposely flew his four-ship of F-16s into a heavily defended air-defense zone in the Middle East to draw enemy fire and clear the way for the rest of the strike force to destroy ballistic missile production facilities.

Lt. Col. Parks was commanding the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron as well as a strike group of 21 aircraft on the mission. His four-ship formation was tasked with a SEAD or Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission during which they faced a “barrage of precisely targeted” missiles and anti-aircraft fire at the F-16s. This resulted in a 15-minute sequence of extreme high-G maneuvers and countermeasures.

The Silver Star citation said, "Parks intentionally placed himself in threat range of a complex air defense zone protecting the enemy’s capital. His decision was key to "crippling enemy ballistic missile production facilities."

It also placed his four-ship formation squarely in the enemy crosshairs that led to the sequence of evasive maneuvers. The citation continues, "For 15 minutes, with enemy missiles detonating mere feet from his aircraft, Parks led his flight through a series of high-G maneuvers and countermeasure employment."

Once the barrage ended, Parks and his smaller group were still deep in enemy territory and below minimum fuel levels. He rapidly coordinated an emergency rendezvous with two aerial tankers that kept the jets airborne long enough to reach safety.

The citation concludes with stating that Parks’ "courageous and steadfast actions directly contributed to the survival of his wingman and himself."

Until Parks’ award only 96 Silver Stars had been awarded to Department of the Air Force personnel. During the ceremony, Parks was also awarded the Bronze Star medal.

Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Air Force Chief of Staff, who presented the Silver Star emphasized its rarity by saying, "It’s a rare day when someone earns a Silver Star, with less than 100 being earned during the Air Force era. After hearing Skate’s story, his leadership, decisive action and skill in the face of danger, I absolutely believe he deserves this honor."

Parks said the award is very special because of his family’s long aviation history that includes World War II, Vietnam, and multiple generations of USAF service. He said, "It is incredible, and this means a lot. The amount of aviation and everything that we have in our family, that’s what shaped me and helped mold me."

FMI:  www.af.mil/