The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Clarence W. Parkins (MCSN: 0-16949), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Pilot in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), during the rescue of a downed airman in enemy-held territory in Korea on 28 June 1951. Although keenly aware that the area of operation contained large enemy troop concentrations, and adverse weather conditions allowed only a limited protection by covering aircraft, Captain Parkins volunteered to fly an unarmed, extremely vulnerable helicopter deep into hostile territory in a daring attempt to effect a rescue. When a temporary mechanical failure impeded the initial effort to hoist the downed pilot aboard, Captain Parkins bravely hovered at tree-top level despite the severe damage to his aircraft by intense hostile fire and maintained the hazardous position until the airman was safely aboard the helicopter. By his marked courage, brilliant airmanship and selfless efforts in behalf of a fellow pilot, Captain Parkins upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine Observation Squadron 6 (MVO-6)Action Date:
Korean War
Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Clarence W. Parkins (MCSN: 0-16949), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
May 14, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Clarence W. Parkins (MCSN: 0-16949), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Pilot in Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 14 May 1951. Despite the grave personal risk involved, and aware that the mission would normally have been undertaken by a special rescue team, Captain Parkins volunteered to fly his unarmed helicopter deep into enemy territory to rescue the pilot of a downed fighter aircraft. Realizing that time was of great importance to a successful rescue, he skillfully landed his plane at the scene of the downed aircraft and, despite the presence of enemy troops in the area, quickly recovered the downed airman, returning him to friendly lines. By his expert airmanship, courageous initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of another, Captain Parkins was instrumental in saving the life of a fellow pilot and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.