The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Verrill G. Parks (MCSN: 378060), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), Fifth Amphibious Corps, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Parry Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall islands, during World War II. While gallantly leading his men in the face of heavy enemy mortar and machine-gun fire, Corporal Parks, on 22 February 1944, suffered a severe wound which left his speechless. Refusing to be evacuated after receiving first aid, he acted on his own initiative to make his way over perilous terrain and, on locating the Landing Team Command Post and the Officer in Charge, wrote down in detail his knowledge of the existing tactical situation, despite his own pain and the constant danger from Japanese mortars. His courage, fortitude and unyielding devotion to duty throughout this hazardous, self-imposed mission reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Parks and the United States Naval Service.