The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Horace C. Parks (MCSN: 0-7712), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the invasion of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll on 1 and 2 February 1944. Constantly at the head of his troops and under relentless enemy fire, Captain Parks completely disregarded his own personal safety to repeatedly reorganize his own and neighboring units and press home the attack. When his battalion commander became a casualty, he took charge of the final assault clearing the objective of all hostile resistance. His initiative, courageous leadership and heroic devotion to duty were an inspiration to all with whom he served and reflects the highest credit upon Captain Parks and the United States Naval Service.