The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Ralph Sherman Parr (AFSN: 0-28206), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 12 July 1953 in aerial combat against an enemy of the United Nations in Korea while piloting an F-86 aircraft of the 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force. While leading a two-ship flight of F-86’s on a combat air patrol in North Korea, Captain Parr sighted a formation of four enemy MiG-15’s crossing the Yalu to the South using a low cloud cover for concealment. Immediately initiating a high speed diving maneuver, Captain Parr dived through the overcast to attack, as he closed to fire, two of the enemy aircraft evaded him by crossing the Yalu. The two remaining enemy MiG’s turned hard into Captain Parr’s attack, but through superior skill he maneuvered his aircraft into attacking position and brought his guns to bear on one of the MiG’s, scoring multiple hits in the engine section with several bursts of his deadly fire. The MiG began burning fiercely and desperately tried to escape, but Captain Parr tenaciously pursued the MiG firing all the while. After scoring more hits on the enemy aircraft, the pilot was observed to eject and his flaming aircraft crashed into the ground. Upon return to his home base, Captain Parr was officially credited with the destruction of one MiG-15. This action exemplifies the courage, superior skill, and aggressive airmanship displayed by Captain Parr throughout his combat tour, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Ralph Sherman Parr (AFSN: 0-28206), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 10 June 1953, in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea, as pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force. On this day, Captain Parr was flying in a flight of four F-86’s on a patrol deep within North Korea. As they neared the Yalu River, Captain Parr’s flight was attacked by a large force of MiG’s and split up into elements of two, but he and his wingman evaded the MiG’s in the break. Captain Parr then observed two more MiG’s heading for the Yalu River, using clouds for concealment. He and his wingman headed for them in a high speed dive. Captain Parr broke out of the clouds on the MiG’s at a very close range, and although he was having trouble controlling his aircraft due to the high speed, he nevertheless opened fire, placing a concentrated burst of fire into the MiG’s engine section. The MiG was observed to explode. Although Captain Parr’s aircraft sustained damage from parts of the enemy aircraft flying back, he was able to control his aircraft, and upon returning safely to his home base, was credited with the destruction of one MiG-15. This action is typical of the outstanding courage and exceptionally aggressive flying ability of Captain Parr, and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Ralph Sherman Parr (AFSN: 0-28206), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 19 June 1953, in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea, as pilot of an F-86 aircraft, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force. On this date, Captain Parr was leading a flight of four F-86’s flying protective cover for a slow flying reconnaissance aircraft when the RF-80 was attacked by an enemy MiG-15. As the MiG pulled up to fire on the unarmed RF-80, Captain Parr attacked the enemy MiG, and closing to 1,5009 feet, fired a long burst directly into the MiG’s fuselage. The MiG immediately caught fire, and just before it spun into the ground and crashed, the pilot was observed to eject. At this time another MiG-15 attacked the reconnaissance aircraft, and Captain Parr again initiated another vicious attack. He closed to 1,800 feet range and fired several bursts at the enemy aircraft, scoring multiple hits and causing the enemy to break off the attack on the RF-80. Captain Parr then escorted the reconnaissance aircraft to his remaining targets and back to friendly territory safely. Upon return to his home base, Captain Parr was officially credited with destroying one MiG-15 and damaging another. This action is another example of the outstanding flying ability and fearless courage of Captain Parr, and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.