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Heroic Lt. Col. Parks Awarded Silver Star for Valor

12/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Lt. Col. William 'Skate' Parks, commander of the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, received the Silver Star for a high-risk March 27, 2025 mission in the Middle East.
During the mission, he suppressed enemy air defenses amid missiles and a fuel shortage, protecting his squadron.
The award highlights his family's military legacy and the evolving use of manned and unmanned systems.
The ceremony occurred at the Pentagon on November 26, 2025.

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Story summary

Lt. Col. William 'Skate' Parks, commander of the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, received the Silver Star for a high-risk March 27, 2025 mission in the Middle East.
During the mission, he suppressed enemy air defenses amid missiles and a fuel shortage, protecting his squadron.
The award highlights his family's military legacy and the evolving use of manned and unmanned systems.
The ceremony occurred at the Pentagon on November 26, 2025.