The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Fireman First Class Floyd D. Parks (NSN: 2234356), United States Navy, for gallantry in combat and courageous devotion to duty as a member of the Ammunition Party attached to the U.S.S. WILLIAM B. PRESTON (AVD-7), during a surprise aerial bombing attack by enemy Japanese forces at Darwin, Australia, on 19 February 1942. Within a few minutes after the sounding of general quarters, Fireman First Class Parks and a comrade ran on their own initiative, manned a machine gun and opened fire on the enemy. They lost their lives a short time later when a bomb struck in that vicinity. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.