Private First Class Parks was a member of the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy near Chochiwon, South Korea, on 11 July 1950.

Medals, Awards & Badges

Silver Star Medal *
Purple Heart
Army of Occupation Medal (Japan)
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

* Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Jack Fredrick Parks (ASN: RA-13275808), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, on 10 July 1950 near Chonui, Korea. Private First Class Parks had returned from Chochiwon to the 1st Battalion Motor Pool in his truck loaded with mortar and machinegun ammunition. He was aware that the enemy had penetrated forward positions and had set up a road block between the Battalion motor pool and his company. Realizing the hazard of running a road block with live ammunition and in spite of the fact that his immediate superior informed him that he did not have to go forward, Private First Class Parks, knowing the desperate need for ammunition by his unit volunteered to drive his truck loaded with ammunition to the front lines. In his attempt to do so he was killed. Private First Class Parks' display of courage, fortitude and valor reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Army.