The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class William Martin Parks (ASN: RA-16311316), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy as a member of Battery B, 63d Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 8 July 1950 at Chonan, Korea, and again on 9 July 1950 at Pudae-ri, Korea. Private First Class Parks distinguished himself when his position as a forward observer was surrounded by the enemy and was under intense enemy fire. When his superior officer found it necessary to move to a position to enable him to observe the effect of fire commands, Private First Class Parks immediately assumed command of radio contact with the fire direction center, calmly and skillfully conducted several fire missions and relayed messages on foot to his superior officer with complete disregard for personal safety. On 9 July 1950 an enemy patrol of three men penetrated their position and Private First Class Parks, together with another soldier, halted and killed the enemy. Although wounded in this encounter, Private First Class Parks continued as radio operator until ordered to leave. His daring courage and exercise of good judgment while under fire reflects great credit on himself and the military service.