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Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Brownlee
Parham
September 3, 1915

–

April 13, 2007

William Parham graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1936. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Gabilan (SS-252)

    Action Date:

    June 20 – August 17, 1945
    Commander Submarine Forces Pacific Fleet: Serial 02525 (October 23, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander William Brownlee Parham (NSN: 0-77036), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GABILAN (SS-252), during the SIXTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters near the Southern Coast of Honshu, from 20 June to 17 August 1945. With the assistance of covering aircraft, Commander Parham effected a series of nine rescues in hazardous waters, one of which was conducted at the approaches of Tokyo Bay, which resulted in saving seventeen downed aviators. By his courage and devotion to duty, he evaded all enemy countermeasures, bringing his ship safe to port, and his conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Gabilan (SS-252)

    Action Date:

    March 20 – May 28, 1945
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 031322 (July 23, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander William Brownlee Parham (NSN: 0-77036), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. GABILAN (SS-252), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 20 March 1945 to 28 May 1945, in enemy controlled waters of the Java Sea. Aggressively attacking the enemy, Commander Parham launched well-planned and smartly executed torpedo attacks which sank 7,000 tons of shipping and severely damaged a large warship. The warship was stopped dead in the water by the submarine’s smashing torpedoes and was sunk a few minutes later. In addition, a well-conducted gun engagement resulted in sinking a small sailing vessel. Through his experience and sound judgment Commander Parham brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.