The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William C. Parker, Jr. (MCSN: 0-30684), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 26 September 1950. Flying a light, unarmed observation aircraft behind enemy lines in the suburbs of Seoul, Captain Parker carried out daring reconnaissance runs over the target area at extremely low altitude to spot concentrations of hostile troops and coordinate gunfire for friendly artillery emplacements. Despite the grave hazards involved, he boldly directed effective fire on numerous enemy-occupied buildings, marked their positions with smoke grenades and continued to lead determined close air support strikes on other targets until he was wounded by hostile fire and forced to return to base. By his marked courage, brilliant airmanship and devotion to duty, Captain Parker greatly aided friendly ground troops in successfully advancing toward their objective and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.