Aviation Electronics Man First Class Sparks was the radio operator of a Lockheed P2V-5 Neptune patrol bomber with Patrol Squadron 23, based at Naval Air Station New Brunswick, Maine. On 7 May 1954, the squadron was participating in Exercise ASDEVEX 1-54 from Windsor Field, Nassau. Shortly after takeoff, it crashed into the ocean killing 10 crewmen.

Sparks was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.