Air Force
Air Force officer receives Silver Star for heroism in Middle East
Stars and Stripes
November 28, 2025
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach pins the Silver Star Medal on Lt. Col. William Parks during a ceremony honoring his valor in combat on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. (Stuart Bright/U.S. Air Force)
Air Force Lt. Col. William Parks received the Silver Star Medal on Wednesday for his efforts as commander of the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron operating in the Middle East this year.
“It’s a rare day when someone earns a Silver Star, with less than 100 being earned during the Air Force era,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach during the ceremony at the Pentagon, according to a service news release.
The medal, the nation’s third highest for valor, is bestowed by all branches upon those who acted gallantly during U.S. military operations against a foreign force, or who served with friendly forces.
In early 2025 Parks commanded a mission with a force package of 21 aircraft, and he also led four F-16 fighter jets suppressing enemy air defenses, the release said, adding that Parks intentionally placed himself within the threat range of those defenses.
As the force Parks led succeeded in damaging enemy missile production facilities, there was a 15-minute window in which enemy forces barraged U.S. forces, during which Parks performed a series of difficult maneuvers, according to the release.
Lt. Col. William Parks speaks to the audience during the ceremony awarding him a Silver Star at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (Stuart Bright/U.S. Air Force)
Additionally, as his fuel ran low, Parks swiftly coordinated an emergency rendezvous with two tankers, which the release said prevented the probable loss of two aircraft.
He also saved millions of dollars with his choice of munitions, and led six aerial victories protecting thousands of sailors aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, according to the release.
Parks was deployed for eight months and led 12 F-16s and 56 airmen. He has since left the squadron.
The 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron was involved in multiple missions, including Operations Prosperity Guardian and Rough Rider, which concern Yemen’s Houthi rebels and their attacks in the Red Sea; Inherent Resolve, which tackles the Islamic State; and Spartan Shield, which maintains U.S. posture in Southwest Asia.