Former 480th EFS commander awarded Silver Star Medal
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- A former commander of the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron was awarded the Silver Star Medal during a presentation ceremony at the Pentagon, Nov. 26.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach presented the nation’s third highest award for valor to Lt. Col. William Parks, Office of the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Junior Executive Officer. Parks was recognized for his efforts in the United States Central Command’s area of responsibility in early 2025.
“It’s a rare day when someone earns a Silver Star, with less than 100 being earned during the Air Force era,” said Wilsbach. “After hearing Skate’s story, his leadership, decisive action, and skill in the face of danger, I absolutely believe he deserves this honor. Recognizing valor in combat matters, and it is a privilege to serve alongside warfighters like him.”
The Silver Star is currently awarded by all branches of the armed forces to any person who, while serving in any capacity, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly forces against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
Parks, while commanding the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was serving as the mission commander for a force package consisting of 21 strike aircraft while simultaneously leading four F-16 Fighting Falcons conducting Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses. Parks intentionally placed himself in threat range of a complex air defense zone protecting the enemy’s capital.
His heroic decision ensured mission success in crippling enemy ballistic missile production facilities. However, because of these actions, enemy forces had the opportunity to send a barrage of precisely targeted enemy air defense missiles and anti-aircraft artillery aimed at Parks’ mission.
For 15 minutes, with enemy missiles detonating mere feet from his aircraft, Parks led his flight through a serious of high-G maneuvers and countermeasure employment.
While his fuel was below minimum levels and still within enemy territory, Parks quickly coordinated for an emergency rendezvous with two separate tankers, ensuring his flight access to critical fuel and ultimately prevented the probable loss of two aircraft due to fuel starvation.
The citation states “[Parks’] courageous and steadfast actions directly contributed to the survival of his wingman and himself.”
Parks shared several of the emotions he experienced during the mission.
“That loneliness settles in, even though it seems like it’s all happening fast, you just feel that moment where ‘I’m feeling very alone out here tonight,” Parks said. “And then that transitioned very quickly to elation. As I got a little bit closer, the [command and control] agencies and the Air Force team started picking me up, and my requests of ‘Hey, I need help! We’re out of gas. I need tankers moved’.”
During his eight-month deployment supporting operations Prosperity Guardian, Inherent Resolve, Spartan Shield, and Rough Rider, Parks led 12 F-16s and 56 Airmen.
As the 480th EFS commander, Parks led the squadron to a record 108 aerial victories against enemy Unmanned Aerial Systems and Land Attack Cruise Missiles. Additionally, Parks guided innovative employment standards by using air-to-ground AGR-20F rockets in an air-to-air role and prioritizing older AIM-9M missiles, saving more than $25 million dollars in munitions costs and leading to the first successful AIM-9M combat employment in 30 years.
Parks has been credited with six aerial victories protecting the lives of more than 5,000 Sailors aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), and he personally defended against five deadly surface-to-air missile engagements targeting his aircraft.
Parks’ family has a rich aviation legacy. One grandfather helped the Allies achieve victory in World War II, while the other flew C-47s in Vietnam. His father was an Air Force test pilot, and his uncle was an F-111 weapons system officer. In Parks’ generation, his cousin is a KC-135 and C-17 pilot, while his brother flies the C-146.
“It is incredible, and this means a lot,” he said. “The amount of aviation and everything that we have in our family, that’s what shaped me and helped mold me.”