Lt. Col. William Parks Receives Silver Star for Valor

Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks, who piloted an F-16 into a heavily fortified air defense area in the Middle East while expertly dodging enemy missiles, has been honored with the Silver Star. This award is one of the highest U.S. military commendations for bravery.

Parks was recognized during a ceremony at the Pentagon on November 26. His heroic actions during a mission in early 2025 not only targeted an enemy ballistic missile production site but also likely saved the lives of his fellow pilots and averted the loss of two U.S. aircraft, as noted by Air Force officials.

At that time, Parks was leading the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and was the mission commander for a significant strike operation on March 27.

He directed four F-16s involved in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD), a role that included drawing enemy fire to clear the path for the rest of the squadron.

The Air Force highlighted Parks’ bravery by stating he intentionally put himself at risk within a sophisticated air defense zone that protected enemy positions. His strategic choices were critical in dismantling the enemy’s missile production capabilities.

Parks’ formation faced a barrage of precisely aimed missiles and anti-aircraft fire. For a tense 15 minutes, he led his team through high-stress maneuvers and countermeasures while enemy projectiles exploded perilously close to their aircraft.

Even after the relentless fire subsided, Parks found himself in a precarious situation, deep in hostile territory and running low on fuel. He quickly coordinated with two separate refueling tankers, an action believed to have prevented a potential catastrophe, according to military sources.

His commendation emphasized that Parks’ straightforward bravery was pivotal for his own survival as well as that of his wingman.

Gen. Ken Wilsbach, the Air Force Chief of Staff who bestowed the Silver Star, remarked on the rarity of such honors, noting that fewer than 100 Silver Stars were awarded during his tenure in the Air Force. Wilsbach felt confident that Parks’ leadership and steadfastness under pressure justified the high honor.

Prior to Parks’ ceremony, only 96 Silver Stars had been awarded to Air Force personnel, and he also received a Bronze Star during the event.

The March mission unfolded during an extensive deployment where Parks and his squadron supported various operations aimed at countering Iranian-backed threats and missile activities in the region. Their efforts culminated in an impressive tally of 108 air victories, setting a record for the Air Force.

Parks was instrumental in implementing cost-effective strategies, such as utilizing the AGR-20F rocket in air-to-air operations and favoring older missile variants, which saved substantial resources while achieving critical combat success.

At the ceremony, Parks recounted the emotional rollercoaster of his mission, from feeling isolated in enemy territory to the relief of receiving support as he navigated away from danger. He expressed how profoundly meaningful the award was, especially given his family’s long-standing legacy in aviation throughout major conflicts.

“It’s hard to put into words how significant this is,” he reflected. “The history of aviation in my family has shaped who I am.”