The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Donald Lawrence Parks (MCSN: 0-51848), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of a Fighter-Bomber Aircraft in Marine Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMA-121) in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 6 May 1952. When his plane was hit by heavy enemy anti-aircraft, causing the aircraft to lose its power and catch fire while he was participating in a combat air patrol covering a friendly pilot downed in hostile territory close to friendly lines, Second Lieutenant Parks, cognizant of the dangers of the full ordnance load he carried, bravely maneuvered the burning plane clear of the position occupied by the downed airman and jettisoned his wing bombs unarmed. Keenly award of the proximity of friendly lines, he unhesitatingly elected to remain in the blazing aircraft rather than jettison his napalm bombs in the area and, maintaining superb control of the plane, courageously effected a crash landing without inflicting casualties upon the friendly troops. Upon impact with the ground, the napalm bombs burst into a sheet of flames, causing the plane to explode and burn. By his indomitable courage, outstanding airmanship and selfless efforts on behalf of others in the face of almost certain death, Second Lieutenant Parks served to inspire all who observed him. His exceptional bravery and valiant self-command reflect the highest credit upon himself and enhance the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.