Floyd Bruce "Red" Parks

Major, United States Marine Corps

Navy Cross & Purple Heart

FLOYD BRUCE PARKS was born 16 Jan 1911 in Salisbury, Chariton, Missouri. He was a son of James Bruce Parks and Elizabeth Ann "Bess" Bowman, his second wife, who married about 1906. His sibling was William Bowman Parks. Floyd graduated from Salisbury High School in Jun 1928 after which he enlisted in the US Navy. As of 01 April 1930, Fireman Parks was stationed at the Naval Base in Norfolk, VA. He served as an enlisted sailor for one year and four months. During that time he applied himself to studies during his off-duty hours to prepare for the competitive examination held once a year for active duty servicemen. He took the exam and was successful. He received an "at large" appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He entered the Naval Academy on 27 Jun 1930. Four years later, on 31 May 1934, Parks graduated from the Academy and received his commission as a 2d Lieutenant, USMC.

His shipmates at the Academy wrote this about him in the Lucky Bag yearbook of 1934. "Floyd Bruce Parks "Red" Salisbury, Mo. Several years ago this carefree young Missourian took departure from Salisbury with destination unknown. After a couple of years in Uncle Sam's destroyers Red decided that he might do well to try the Navy as a profession so he arrived at the Naval Academy during the summer of 1930 to begin a four year cruise. After quite a battle with the Academic Depts. which go the first hold-down right at the start, he managed to survive Plebe Year and has been taking things easy ever since. In fact, he has always been far more worried over who he would drag to the next hop and why than he has been over the lesson for the next day. Colliers and the Saturday Evening Post take precedence over Red's studies and his drags take precedence over them. He's a true snake and even a Carvel Charlie at times. He has been known to get into jams but his ready wit and cheerful energy always furnish him with a means of locomotion whenever he gets up that well-known creek. Possessing a charming personality and an ability to make friends with everyone Red will go far in whatever career he may choose, as an officer or as a civilian. He will be as welcome in foreign countries as he is in his own home for his good humor and likeable nature will always make a place for him. A true friend and loyal shipmate, we wish him luck. Water Polo. Class Football. Choir. Class Swimming. . . "

Second Lt. Parks reported to his first duty assignment, the Marine Academy basic school at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia, PA, on 5 July 1934.The school program would last until Jun 1935. He reported to the USS Astoria (CA-34) Marine Detachment on 11 Jun 1935 for a 9 month tour aboard. He was detached from the Astoria on 27 April 1936 and reported to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL on 28 May 1936 (after a month's leave) to begin aviation training. On 08 July 1937 he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant effective 31 May 1937 while still serving as a student naval aviator at Pensacola, FL. He completed his flight training and was designated a naval aviator on 29 Jul effective from 06 Jul 1937 and was awarded his naval aviator wings. Lt Parks was then transferred to Aircraft Two in San Diego, CA on 30 Jul 1937. He was authorized one month delay in reporting. He reported to his new command, Marine Bombing Squadron Two, Aircraft Two, on 27 Aug 1937. In Jun 1938 1st Lt Parks, while attached to Marine Bombing Sq. Two, took ten days leave.

Lt Parks married the former Mrs Margaret Elizabeth Murray Grant on 23 Dec 1939 in San Diego, CA. Margaret E. Murray married as her first husband Ensign Mark Alfred Grant, US Naval Academy class of '34. He was a classmate of Floyd B. Parks. Margaret and Mark married 08 Sep 1936 in Yuma, AZ. They were divorced before 27 Dec 1937 when he married Lily Minge Meadors in Pensacola, FL.

After three years of duty with several different commands in San Diego, Captain Parks was transferred on 03 Jun 1940, with an authorized delay until 01 July 1940, from the Marine Fighting Squadron 2, 2d Marine Air Group at NAS, San Diego to Pensacola, FL and flight instructor duty. He was promoted to Captain on 03 Jun 1940 effective 14 Aug 1939. After almost a year as a naval flight instructor, Capt. Parks was transferred before 01 Jul 1941 to the Marine Observation Squadron One Fifty One at Quantico, VA. After 01 Feb 1942 Parks was transferred to 2d MAW in San Diego. On 25 Mar he was detached from that command. On 30 Mar he embarked and sailed on the USAT Aquitania from San Francisco. He arrived in Pearl Harbor on 04 Apr whereupon Capt. Parks reported to Marine Fighting Squadron 211 as the executive officer. He was detached on 12 Apr to Marine Fighting Squadron Two Twelve (VMF-212), MAG 21, 2d MAW, based at Ewa, Oahu, T.H., (on 20 Apr the unit's designation changed from VMF-212, MAG 24 to VMF 212 MAG 21). He was appointed the executive officer of VMF-212 on 12 Apr and then on 30 April he assumed command of that squadron. He was promoted to the rank of Major on 08 May 1942. Later that month Major Parks and his squadron (now VMF-221) were stationed at NAS Midway. On 22 May Marine Air Group 22 (MAG-22) had been alerted to expect a large assault on the island by Japanese Naval forces at any time.

On the morning of 04 Jun 1942, the Midway radar installation and reconnaissance aircraft reported a large group of enemy planes approaching Midway. All Midway aircraft were ordered into the air according to pre-planned directives. Major Parks and his command of VMF-221 flew from NAS Midway, formed up, and proceeded to intercept the incoming force of Japanese fighters and bombers. Initially successful in shooting down a number of enemy planes, VMF-221 was soon overwhelmed by superior numbers of enemy aircraft. In the ensuing melee VMF-221 suffered heavy losses. Major Parks and his six plane division consisting of 2d Lt Eugene Madole, Capt. John Alvord, 2d Lt John Butler, 2d Lt David Pinkerton, Jr., and 2d Lt Charles S. Hughes were all shot down. None of their remains were recoverable. Major Parks was listed as missing in action on 04 Jun 1942. He was declared presumed dead on 05 Jun 1943.

Major Parks was (posthumously) awarded the Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/ribbon, American Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one bronze battle star, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Mrs. Parks never remarried. They had no children. Margaret died in El Paso, TX on 09 Sep 1963. She lies at rest in Restlawn Memorial Park, El Paso, El Paso, TX

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Navy Cross Citation reads:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Floyd Bruce Parks, Major, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Squadron Commander and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE, Marine Air Group TWENTY-TWO, Naval Air Station, Midway, during operations of the U.S. Naval and Marine Forces against the invading Japanese Fleet during the Battle of Midway on 4 June 1942. Leading his squadron in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Major Parks aided in disruption the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Major Parks gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a fine leader and excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 10, 1942

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The Presidential Unit Citation reads:

"For conspicuous courage and heroism in combat at Midway Island during June 1942. Outnumbered five to one, Marine Aircraft Group 22 boldly intercepted a heavily escorted enemy bombing force, disrupting their attack and preventing serious damage to island installations. Operating with half of their dive-bomber's obsolete and in poor mechanical conditions, which necessitated vulnerable glide bombing tactics, they succeeded in inflicting heavy damage on Japanese surface units of a large enemy task force. The skill and gallant perseverance of flight and ground personnel of Marine Aircraft Group 22, fighting under tremendously adverse and dangerous conditions were essential factors in the unyielding defense of Midway."

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His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Floyd Bruce Parks, who died in the service of his country, SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED MARINE AIR GROUP TWENTY TWO, 5 June 1943 (Presumed). He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.

(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt

President of the United States of America

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Moberly Monitor-Index (Moberly, Missouri) – 04 Aug 1937, Wed – p. 4

Lieut. Floyd Parks Visiting at Salisbury.

Salisbury, Aug. 4—Lieutenant Floyd Parks, a first Lieutenant in the aviation department, U.S. Navy, is visiting his mother, Mrs. Bess Parks. He was graduated from the aviation school at Pensacola, Fla., last week and is enroute to the San Diego, Calif., aviation base, where he will be stationed.

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El Paso Herald-Post (El Paso, Texas) – 15 Jun 1942, Mon – p. 1

El Pasoan’s Husband Missing In Pacific

Mrs. Margaret Elizabeth Parks of 2701 Altura Boulevard received a telegram from the War Department informing her that her husband, Maj. Floyd B. Parks, was missing in action in the Pacific. Major Parks was in command of a squadron of Marine Corps fighting planes that had been active in the Pacific for the last three months. His last reported base had been the Hawaiian Islands, from which he had written to his wife requesting that she send him his fishing tackle. She had received a letter from him only last week stating he was “getting along all right” and enjoying the Government’s menus.” The 31-year-old officer from Salisbury, Mo., was graduated in the class of 1934 from Annapolis Naval Academy, and received his flight training at the Pensacola Training Station. He has been flying since 1936, and was given his present commission and command of a squadron in March. Mrs. Parks is the former Miss Margaret Elizabeth Murray. She was reared in El Paso, where she was graduated from Austin High School. She and Major Parks were married in 1938 in San Diego, CA. Since her husband left the Coronado Aircraft Base she has made her home with her mother, Mrs. Charles C. Crisler.

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Moberly Monitor-Index (Moberly, Missouri) – 26 Sep 1942, Sat – p. 7

Memorial Service For Major Parks

Services Held at Salisbury For Squadron Leader Lost in Midway Battle

Salisbury, Mo., Sept. 26 –- Memorial services for Major Floyd B (Bus) Parks of Salisbury, who was lost in the Battle of Midway, on June 4, were held at the Salisbury high school building Friday afternoon. Mrs. Barney Ewing and Mrs. Ewald Steging, members of the Salisbury High School Class of 1928, of which he was a member, were official sponsors of the services. The program was directed by Virgil Bachtel, superintendent of schools. Mrs. Maud Forrest told of her experience with young Parks when he was a grade pupil and Miss Blanch Osborn recited personal memories of him in high school. Mrs. Pearl Gehrig gave a resume of his life at Annapolis, at the Marine Academy and in the Air Corps, also mentioning his marriage to Miss Margaret Grant of California, his various promotions, and his part in the Battle of Midway, where letters from his superior officers testified to his bravery. Favorite songs of Major Parks were sung by Mrs. Ruth Finnell Widmer of Keytesville and Marvin Wright, with Mrs. Jack Welch as piano accompanist. The service was ended with the band playing “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Major Parks, a leader of one of the Marine Corps air squadrons and listed as “missing in action”, (sic) was named as one of the individual heroes in the Navy account of the battle. Official reports of the Midway battle carried this statement: “The marine aviation group’s moment of glory came early on the morning of June 4 when patrol planes reported ‘many aircraft headed toward Midway’. (sic) Immediately every plane on the Island – the Navy did not disclose the exact number—took off for the fight. “Thirty miles from the Island the dogfight was joined, developing into a tumultuous ‘mechanical’ maelstrom high above the waves’. (sic)

As the minutes passed it soon became impossible to tell friend from foe in the confusion. “Planes, individual identities unknown, were falling in flames on all sides. (sic) “Then came the actual attack on the Island—by the few enemy planes able to weather the Marines’ furious attack. Damage was considerable, but not disabling’. (sic) A major disaster had been prevented. “At least 40 Jap planes had been destroyed, out of an estimated force of more than 100. (sic) “The defense had paid dearly. (sic) “The Midway air commander’s report tells of ‘pitifully few’ fighters returning in response to radio instructions by “fighters to land and refuel by divisions.” It is a full and complete story of heroism and sacrifice that is told in the few words needed to relate that the Marine interceptors of the enemy could not return by divisions, but instead came home by ones and twos.”

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Macon Chronicle-Herald (Macon, Missouri) – 05 Feb 1943, Fri – p. 1

Salisbury, Mo., Feb, 5 (AP) – Major Floyd Bruce Parks, Salisbury flier who was reported missing in action, was the first American aviator to intercept Japanese bombers and fighters in the decisive battle of Midway last June 4. As leader of marine fighter squadron 221, Major Parks and his men took off after a scout plane reported a large Japanese fleet nearing the island. He and his 25 fighters intercepted an air armada of Jap planes, a mighty force of more than 100, 30 miles off the island. Although outnumbered 4 to 1, the squadron was credited with destroying at least 64 enemy aircraft. Only ten of the marine group survived the engagement. Major Parks was believed to have gone down in the first 20 minutes of the flaming engagement. Major Kirk Armistead, then a captain and executive officer to Major Parks, reported that “when last seen ‘Red’ was giving ‘em hell.” Although still missing, Major Parks was awarded the Navy Cross for heroic action. Red-haired, freckle faced, the 31-year-old Major attended grammar and high school here. He was graduated from Annapolis in 1934 and transferred to the marines. His mother, Mrs. Bess Parks, lives in Salisbury.

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El Paso Herald-Post (El Paso, Texas) – 10 May 1943, Mon – p. 1

Major Floyd B. Parks Awarded Navy Cross

Major Floyd B. Parks, has been awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism in combat action, according to an announcement of Navy awards today. Major Parks was reported missing in action nearly a year ago. He had commanded a Marine Corps airplane squadron in the Hawaiian Islands and other Pacific posts. He is 32, and 1934 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and he had been a flier since 1936. Mrs. Parks is the former Miss Margaret Elizabeth Murray. She has lived in El Paso all her life. They were married in San Diego five years ago.

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Joplin Globe (Joplin, Missouri) – 01 April 1945, Sun – p. 16

A New U.S. Destroyer is Launched in Texas

Orange, Tex., March 31. – (AP) – The destroyer U.S.S. Floyd B. Parks, named in honor of Marine Major Floyd Bruce Parks, who died on Midway, was launched at the Consolidated Corporation, Ltd., shipyard here today. Major Parks was a native of Salisbury, Mo. He held the Navy Cross, Presidential Unit Citation and the Purple Heart. His widow, Mrs. Floyd B. Parks of El Paso, Tex., was sponsor. She was accompanied to the launching ceremony by Mrs. Bess Parks of Salisbury, mother of Major Parks.

Note: The USS Floyd B. Parks (DD 884), a destroyer of the Gearing class, was commissioned July 31, 1945 in Orange, Tex., and joined the U.S. Pacific Fleet in the same year. She is a veteran of more than twenty deployments and has participated actively with opposing forces during the time of Korean and Vietnamese conflicts. USS Parks was decommissioned 02 July 1973, while at her berth at the 32nd Street Naval Station, Quay Wall 8 at 10 a.m. The ship then will be transferred to the Inactive Ship Facility in San Diego. She was sold for scrap on 29 April 1984.

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El Paso Herald-Post (El Paso, Texas) – 10 Sep 1963, Tue – p. 26

Obituary Notices – Parks

Mrs. Margaret Crisler Parks, 3709 Memphis Ave., passed away Monday. She had been a lifetime resident of El Paso and was an accountant. Survivors are her mother, Mrs. Edna Crisler, El Paso; brother, J.S. Crisler, Los Angeles, Calif. Grave side services will be held at 10 AM Wednesday at Rest Lawn with the Rev. John H. Justice officiating.

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Combat Action Ribbon note:

None of the Navy/Marine flight crews in the Battle of Midway were eligible for or were awarded the Combat Action Ribbon (CR). See Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual (SECNAVINST M-1650.1 of 16 Aug 2019, Appendix 2C.1.c (3) Amplifying Guidance). It reads in part, “The CR will not be awarded in connection with aerial flight, . . . “ The CR was established in 1969 and made retroactive to 07 Dec 1941. According to the Awards Manual, when deemed appropriate, the award for aerial combat was/is the Air Medal.

Bio sketch #243 compiled by Gerry Lawton (G47) updated 23 Apr 2020.

Military Hall of Honor ID #99418

Find A Grave Memorial #55927160