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Ralph Parr
View on WikipediaColonel Ralph Sherman Parr, Jr. (July 1, 1924 – December 7, 2012) was an American double-flying ace of the Korean War. He was credited with a total of ten downed enemy aircraft. He also flew in World War II and the Vietnam War, and is the only person to have been awarded both the United States Army Distinguished Service Cross and the corresponding decoration used by the United States Air Force once it became an independent branch of service, the Air Force Cross.[1]
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Parr was born in 1924, in Portsmouth, Virginia. His parents were Ralph Sherman Parr and May (Morrison) Parr. His father was a 1912 graduate of the US Naval Academy[2] and US Navy commander who served in both World War I and World War II. One of his brothers was Warren Sherman Parr, a US Navy rear admiral.[3]
Military career
[edit]Parr enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve on November 4, 1942, and he was accepted into the Aviation Cadet Program on February 2, 1943, earning his pilot wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces at Maxwell Field, Alabama, on February 8, 1944.
World War II
[edit]His first assignment was as an instructor pilot at Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas, from February to September 1944, followed by P-38 Lightning transition training from October 1944 to April 1945. Parr served as a P-38 pilot in various bases in California from April to August 1945, and then served as a P-38 and then P-51 Mustang pilot with the 7th Fighter Squadron of the 49th Fighter Group on Okinawa and then in Japan from August to July 1946.
After returning to the U.S., he left active duty and joined the Air Force Reserve on September 3, 1946.
Post war
[edit]Parr was recalled to active duty on February 9, 1948. After returning to active duty, Parr served as a P-51 and then F-84 Thunderjet pilot with the 60th Fighter Squadron at Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico, and then at Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts, from February 1948 to July 1950.
Korean War
[edit]
Parr served as an F-80 Shooting Star pilot with the 7th Fighter Bomber Squadron at Furumaki Air Base in Japan, and then deployed to Korea at Taegu Air Base from July 1950 to May 1951, where he flew several ground attack missions.[4]
He then served as an F-86 Sabre pilot with the 116th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Geiger Field, Washington, from June to August 1951, and with the 94th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at George Air Force Base, California, from August 1951 to May 1953. Parr returned to Korea as an F-86 pilot with the 335th Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing at Kimpo Air Base from May to September 1953.
One of his missions began on June 7, 1953, when he descended from 41,000 feet over the Yalu River that separated North Korea from China and saw four Soviet MiG-15s. He pursued them, firing his guns and then leveling off at 300 feet. As he rose to 4,000 feet, he spotted an additional 12 MiGs. In the following dogfight, he destroyed two MiG-15s and damaged another before withdrawing to safety.[3]
On June 30, his flight came across 16 MiG-15s. He managed to destroy two MiGs. He then helped drive off 10 other MiGs, which were threatening his wing commander, despite low fuel. For his actions, he was awarded Distinguished Service Cross.
During the Korean War, he flew 165 combat missions and helped to develop new combat tactics for fighting MiG-15s. He managed to shoot down a total of ten enemy aircraft, all while flying F-86 Sabres in 47 missions, during the last 7 weeks of the war. He continued to serve with the 334th FIS until February 1954.[4]
On July 27, 1953, the day of the armistice, then Captain Parr scored the last aerial 'kill' of the Korean War by shooting down an unarmed Soviet Navy Ilyushin Il-12 transport aircraft, which was flying from Port Arthur to Vladivostok through the North Korean airspace.[5] All 21 passengers, including 3 medical staff, were killed.[6] The Soviet Union filed a lawsuit of $1,860,000 against Parr in the International Court of Justice, however the American side denied this.[7]
Post war
[edit]After the war, Parr served as an F-86D Sabre Dog air defense pilot with the 4750th Air Defense Group at Vincent Air Force Base, Arizona, from February 1954 to July 1958. Parr served as an Operations Staff Officer with the 73rd Air Defense Division at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, from July 1958 to October 1959, and then as an Operations Staff Officer with the Military Assistance and Advisory Group in the Netherlands from October 1959 to September 1962.[8] His next assignment was as an Operations Staff Officer with the 836th Air Division at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, from September 1962 to January 1963, followed by service as Operations Officer for the 4453rd Combat Crew Training Squadron at MacDill AFB from February to December 1963.
Parr served as Commander of the 4456th Combat Crew Training Squadron at MacDill AFB from January to July 1964, and then as Operations Officer for the 4454th Combat Crew Training Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, from August 1964 to January 1965.
He served as Commander of the 4455th Combat Crew Training Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB from January 1965 to August 1966, and then attended Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, from August 1966 to August 1967.[4]
Vietnam War
[edit]
Parr then served as Deputy Commander for Operations of the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing at Cam Ranh Base, South Vietnam, from September 1967 to August 1968, flying F-4 Phantoms. He received the Air Force Cross during the siege of Khe Sanh in 1968, for destroying several mortar and machine gun positions of the Viet Cong troops in one aerial sortie. He completed seven out of eight combat approaches while flying a heavily damaged F-4, which not only impaired the hostile force's capability to impede the resupply of Khe Sanh, but also reduced further losses to friendly cargo aircraft and crews. He was nominated for Medal of Honor by the U.S. Marine Corps command in Khe Sanh.[3]
Following the completion of his first tour in the Vietnam War, he served on the staff of the Military Personnel Group at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, from October 1968 to March 1970. During his second tour in Vietnam, he served as the Vice Commander of the 12th TFW at Phù Cát Air Base, South Vietnam, from March to October 1970, and then as Commander of the 12th TFW from October 1970 to April 1971.[3]
Post war
[edit]Parr served on the staff at Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Lindsey Air Station, West Germany, from April 1971 to August 1972, and then with the Military Assistance and Advisory Group to Iran from August 1972 to January 1974. His final assignment was as Director of Operations for the Tactical Air Warfare Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, from January 1974.
Parr was medically retired from the Air Force in 1976, after injuring his back while inspecting damage to the roof of his home at Elgin AFB, after a hurricane.[3]
Television appearances and commentary
[edit]
In 2001, Parr participated in a meeting with former Soviet pilots who fought in the Korean War, where he said:[9]
Pilots of both sides respect each other very much. There is no hostility between them.
Parr appeared in "MiG Alley" in 2006, during season one, episode one, and "Jet vs. Jet" in 2007, season two, episode three, of the History Channel's Dogfights series, which recreated historical air combat campaigns using modern computer graphics.
Personal life
[edit]He was married to Margaret Parr for 40 years. They had six stepchildren and 10 grandchildren.
Death
[edit]Parr died on December 7, 2012, at an assisted living facility in New Braunfels, Texas, at the age of 88, and was buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.[1][5]
Awards and decorations
[edit]Col. Parr is the only person ever awarded both the Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross.[3]
His personal awards are:
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Air Force Cross citation
[edit]
- Parr, Ralph Sherman
- Colonel, U.S. Air Force
- 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Vietnam
- Date of Action: March 16, 1968
- Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Colonel Ralph Sherman Par, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing force as an F-4C Phantom Aircraft Commander and Commanding Officer of the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Vietnam, in action near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 March 1968. On that date, Colonel Parr participated in a flight providing cover for cargo aircraft. Upon arrival over the target, the forward air controller advised the flight that the airfield was under heavy attack by hostile mortar positions, which were located a few feet below a ridge line. Although the target area was covered with dense smoke and haze, Colonel Parr successfully destroyed one mortar position on his first pass, as six well-camouflaged heavy automatic weapons opened fire on him. Although sustaining severe damage to his aircraft, he pressed his second attack and destroyed another mortar position. Again, completely disregarding his personal safety and the withering hostile gun fire, Colonel Parr succeeded in destroying six heavy caliber automatic weapons positions. In between passes, his accurate and timely directions to his wingman effectively insured the accuracy of ordnance delivery in close proximity to the friendly forces. Only after delivering all of his ordnance at point-blank range in eight consecutive passes did Colonel Parr terminate his attack. By destroying these strategically located weapons, he not only impaired the hostile force's capability to impede the resupply of Khe Sanh, but also reduced further losses to friendly cargo aircraft and crews. Through his superb airmanship, aggressiveness, and extraordinary heroism, Colonel Parr reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Distinguished Service Cross citation
[edit]
- Parr, Ralph Sherman
- Captain, U.S. Air Force
- 334th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter Interceptor Wing, 5th Air Force
- Date of Action: June 30, 1953
- Citation:
The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force) to Captain Ralph Sherman Parr, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of an F-86 type aircraft of the 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, Fifth Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 30 June 1953. On that date, while leading a formation of two F-86 type aircraft on a combat air patrol deep in enemy territory, Captain Parr was attacked by a formation of ten enemy MIGs. Exhibiting superb airmanship and extraordinary gallantry, Captain Parr positioned himself on the attackers. Despite the imminent threat from the hail of cannon fire from behind, Captain Parr selected his target, and with a long burst from his guns, destroyed one of the enemy MIGs. Against superior numbers of enemy aircraft, Captain Parr, although under a continual hail of enemy cannon fire, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, again valiantly counter-attacked another of the threatening aircraft. Utilizing extraordinary flying skill, Captain Parr tenaciously followed the enemy through a series of violent, evasive maneuvers until he gained the advantage and scored multiple hits on the MiG, causing it to burst into flame. While turning to move to surprise another of the enemy aircraft, Captain Parr broke off his attack to answer a call of distress from a friendly aircraft. Although dangerously low on fuel, Captain Parr, at great risk to his life, provided aggressive and determined protection for the distressed friendly aircraft, escorting it safely back to base. Captain Parr's keen flying skill in turning the tide of battle despite overwhelming odds and his high personal courage in protecting a fellow pilot evidenced conspicuous gallantry in action, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces and the United States Air Force.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Influential double ace fighter pilot dies at 88". mysanantonio.com. 2012-12-09. Retrieved 2012-12-09.
- ^ Lucky Bag. Nimitz Library U. S. Naval Academy. First Class, United States Naval Academy. 1912.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ a b c d e f Berstein, Adam (December 19, 2012). "Retired Air Force Col. Ralph S. Parr, a highly decorated pilot, dies at 88". Washington Post. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Nickel for Col Parr". www.airlinepilotforums.com. Airline Pilot Forums. December 19, 2012. Archived from the original on April 26, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- ^ a b "Col. Ralph Parr". Official Website of the US Air Force. Archived from the original on 2012-12-12. Retrieved 2012-12-09.
- ^ "Инцидент 7.27 – Последние жертвы последнего дня Корейской войны : Единая Корея – информационно-аналитический портал".
- ^ "Евгений Шолох. Тайны "Холодной войны"". airforce.ru. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
- ^ "Retired Col. Ralph S. Parr Jr. dies, memorial service announced". www.af.mil. U.S. Air Force. December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- ^ Keith Rogers. Foes No Longer Archived March 17, 2005, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2009-11-14.
- ^ this was on image of his ribbon rack, but Wikipedia entry for the award states must have both Philippine Defense and Liberation Medal, Col Parr did not receive the Defense Medal
- Valor Awards for Ralph Sherman Parr at militarytimes.com. Retrieved 2012-12-09.
External links
[edit]
- Double Ace – Col. Ralph Parr at Airwingmedia.com
- Ralph Parr – FU Hero at fighterpilotuniversity.com
Ralph Parr
View on GrokipediaEarly years
Birth and family
Ralph S. Parr was born on July 1, 1924, in Portsmouth, Virginia.[5] His father, Ralph Sherman Parr Sr., was a U.S. Navy commander and aviator who served in World War I and World War II, providing young Ralph with early exposure to military life and aviation.[6][3] His mother, May Morrison Parr, supported the family during his father's naval career.[6] Parr grew up in a military family environment shaped by his father's service, which included frequent relocations typical of naval postings. At age five, his father took him on a flight as a birthday gift, igniting a lifelong passion for aviation.[3] He had a brother, Warren Sherman Parr, who rose to the rank of rear admiral in the U.S. Navy.[7] This naval tradition in the family foreshadowed Parr's own path in military aviation.[3]Education
Ralph Sherman Parr Jr. was born on July 1, 1924, in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he spent his early years attending local schools amid the naval influences of the Tidewater region.[8] His father's career as a U.S. Navy squadron commander provided a strong military background that motivated Parr's pursuit of aviation from a young age. At five years old, Parr received his first flight experience as a birthday gift from his father, an event he later described as instantly hooking him on flying.[8][9] Due to his family's relocations tied to his father's naval postings, Parr completed his secondary education at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda, Maryland, graduating in 1942.[8][10] This high school diploma marked the culmination of his pre-military formal education, equipping him with the foundational preparation needed for his aviation aspirations. No specific academic achievements from his schooling are documented, but his early exposure to aviation through family profoundly shaped his path toward piloting.[11]Military career
World War II service
Ralph Parr enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve on November 4, 1942, and was accepted into the Aviation Cadet Program on February 2, 1943.[5][11] He completed his training and earned his pilot wings, along with a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces, on February 8, 1944, at Maxwell Field, Alabama.[5][3] Following his commissioning, Parr served as an instructor pilot at Blytheville Army Airfield in Arkansas from February to September 1944, where he trained new aviators in basic flight operations.[5] He then underwent transition training on the P-38 Lightning from October 1944 to April 1945, after which he was assigned as a P-38 pilot at various bases in California until August 1945.[5] In August 1945, Parr deployed to the Pacific Theater with the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, initially flying the P-38 Lightning in the Philippines and Okinawa during the final eight weeks of the war, contributing to air operations in support of ground forces and Allied advances.[5][1] After Japan's surrender, he transitioned to the P-51 Mustang and continued service with the same unit in Okinawa and Japan through July 1946, participating in occupation duties that included patrols and reconnaissance missions to maintain regional stability.[5] No aerial victories were credited to Parr during his World War II service.[1][3] Parr left active duty on September 3, 1946, and joined the Air Force Reserve, marking the end of his World War II-era military involvement.[5]Pre-Korean War assignments
Following his World War II service, which provided a foundation in fighter tactics, Ralph Parr was released from active duty on September 3, 1946, and entered the Air Force Reserve, where he remained until recalled to active duty on February 9, 1948.[5] Upon recall, Parr joined the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Group, at Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico, as a P-51 Mustang pilot, focusing on operational proficiency during the early Cold War buildup.[5][12] In June 1948, the squadron transitioned to the Republic F-84 Thunderjet, enabling Parr to adapt to jet propulsion and high-speed interception tactics essential for emerging threats.[5][12] That November, the 60th Fighter Squadron relocated with the 33rd Fighter Group to Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts, assuming an air defense mission under Air Defense Command to protect the northeastern U.S. against potential Soviet incursions amid crises like the Berlin Blockade.[5][13] Parr flew F-84 patrols and exercises in this role, honing skills in radar-directed intercepts and contributing to the Air Force's peacetime vigilance as global tensions intensified.[5] During these assignments, Parr advanced to captain, reflecting his growing leadership in transitioning from propeller-driven to jet fighters, which positioned him for future combat demands.[5] He remained with the 60th Fighter Squadron at Otis until July 1950, participating in training that emphasized rapid response and air superiority preparation.[5]Korean War service
Ralph Parr deployed to Korea in July 1950 as part of the U.S. Air Force's response to the North Korean invasion, initially flying 165 reconnaissance and ground support missions in the F-80 Shooting Star with the 7th Fighter-Bomber Squadron through May 1951, before other assignments and a return in 1953 for air superiority roles.[14][1] In 1953, he served with the 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, based at Kimpo Air Base, where he flew approximately 30 combat missions in the F-86 Sabre jet fighter during the war's final months.[5][1] These missions concentrated in MiG Alley, the contested airspace along the Yalu River bordering China, where U.S. pilots faced intense opposition from Soviet- and Chinese-flown MiG-15s.[2] Parr achieved double ace status with 10 confirmed aerial victories, all accomplished in a remarkable 30 missions over five weeks in mid-1953, downing primarily MiG-15 fighters.[2] His confirmed kills included two MiG-15s on June 7, 1953, during a fighter sweep where he aggressively descended from 41,000 feet to engage a formation of 16 enemy jets, destroying the lead aircraft and another while evading return fire.[14] Additional victories followed on June 10 (one MiG-15), June 18 (two MiG-15s), and June 30 (two MiG-15s), among other engagements.[15] His final kill came on July 27, 1953—less than 24 hours before the armistice—when he intercepted and destroyed a Soviet Il-12 transport aircraft carrying 21 Soviet personnel (which the Soviet Union claimed was a civilian flight carrying truce orders), resulting in the loss of all aboard and sparking a brief international incident.[16][17] In response to the MiG-15's superior climb rate and maneuverability, Parr developed and employed innovative tactics emphasizing aggressive intercepts, high-speed diving attacks on formation leaders, and precise gunnery to disrupt enemy cohesion before they could leverage numerical advantages.[14] A pivotal engagement earning him the Distinguished Service Cross occurred on June 30, 1953, when Parr, flying low on fuel, broke off from his squadron to protect the wing commander from 10 pursuing MiG-15s; he downed two enemies in a fierce dogfight, using evasive turns and superior marksmanship to shield the lead aircraft until safe extraction.[15] Operational challenges in MiG Alley were formidable, including frequent encounters with overwhelming MiG swarms (often 10-16 aircraft), variable weather with low clouds obscuring ambushes, and the psychological strain of sanctuary rules that prohibited pursuit across the Yalu, allowing enemies to regroup.[2]Post-Korean War assignments
Following the armistice in Korea, Ralph Parr transitioned to peacetime air defense duties, leveraging his combat experience to enhance interceptor operations within the U.S. Air Defense Command. From 1954 to 1958, he served as an F-86D Sabre pilot with the 4750th Air Defense Group at Vincent Air Force Base in Arizona, where he focused on all-weather interception training and readiness against potential aerial threats.[5] In July 1958, Parr was assigned as an operations staff officer with the 73rd Air Defense Division at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, a role he held until October 1959, contributing to the coordination of radar and fighter interceptor networks across the southeastern United States.[5] He then moved to an international posting from October 1959 to September 1962 as an operations staff officer with the Military Assistance Advisory Group in the Netherlands, supporting NATO air operations by advising on tactical fighter integration and defensive strategies for European allies amid Cold War tensions.[5] Returning to the United States in September 1962, Parr took on successive staff and command positions in combat crew training squadrons, emphasizing preparation for tactical fighter deployments. He served briefly as an operations staff officer with the 836th Air Division at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida until January 1963, followed by a tenure as operations officer of the 4453rd Combat Crew Training Squadron at the same base through December 1963.[5] In January 1964, he assumed command of the 4456th Combat Crew Training Squadron at MacDill, leading F-4 Phantom training missions until July 1964, before transferring to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.[5] At Davis-Monthan, Parr continued in leadership roles, serving as operations officer of the 4454th Combat Crew Training Squadron from August 1964 to January 1965 and then as commander of the 4455th Combat Crew Training Squadron from January 1965 to August 1966, where he oversaw advanced tactics instruction for pilots transitioning to supersonic fighters.[5] These assignments honed his expertise in air defense and tactical operations, directly informing his later combat preparations. In August 1966, Parr attended the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, completing the program in August 1967 and advancing to the rank of colonel during this period.[5]Vietnam War service
Parr served two combat tours in Vietnam from 1967 to 1971, flying the F-4C Phantom II in support of ground operations.[5] His first tour, from September 1967 to August 1968, saw him as Deputy Commander for Operations of the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, where he flew 226 missions focused on close air support and interdiction strikes against enemy positions.[16] During this period, Parr emphasized ground attack tactics honed from his Korean War experience, adapting them to the Phantom's capabilities for low-level bombing runs in dense jungle terrain.[14] On March 16, 1968, during the Siege of Khe Sanh, Parr earned the Air Force Cross for extraordinary heroism while leading a flight providing close air support to Marine forces under heavy assault.[18] Responding to a desperate call from a forward air controller, he and his backseater, Captain Jerry M. Hartle, targeted North Vietnamese Army mortar and automatic weapons positions threatening a critical resupply convoy.[1] Despite intense anti-aircraft fire that severely damaged their F-4C, Parr made eight consecutive passes at point-blank range, destroying one mortar position and six heavy automatic weapons emplacements, ensuring the success of the resupply mission and protecting friendly troops.[5] The official citation commended his "superb airmanship and selfless devotion to duty" in the face of overwhelming odds.[5] Parr's second tour, from March 1970 to April 1971, involved him as Vice Commander and then Commander of the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, now operating from Phu Cat Air Base, where he continued to lead missions prioritizing tactical air support over air-to-air engagements.[5] Across both tours, he accumulated 427 combat missions, underscoring his pivotal role in enhancing U.S. airpower's effectiveness in ground-centric warfare.[16]Final assignments and retirement
Following his second tour of duty in Vietnam, which concluded in April 1971, Colonel Ralph S. Parr was assigned to the staff at Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Lindsey Air Station in West Germany, serving from April 1971 to August 1972.[5] In this role, he contributed to operational planning and coordination for U.S. air forces in Europe, drawing on his extensive combat experience from World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam.[5] From August 1972 to January 1974, Parr served with the U.S. Military Assistance and Advisory Group in Iran, where he advised on air operations and training for the Imperial Iranian Air Force as part of broader U.S. military support efforts in the region.[5] His work focused on enhancing tactical capabilities and operational readiness, leveraging his expertise in fighter aviation and command structures.[5] In January 1974, Parr took on his final military assignment as Director of Operations for the Tactical Air Warfare Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, overseeing training programs and operational evaluations for tactical air units.[5] During this posting, he sustained a serious back injury in 1976 while inspecting hurricane damage to a base roof, which led to his medical retirement on October 17, 1976, at the rank of colonel.[2] Over his 34-year career, Parr logged more than 8,000 total flying hours, including 1,169 combat hours across 641 missions in three wars, and received over 60 decorations for his service.[2] Upon retirement, Parr transitioned to civilian life in New Braunfels, Texas, where he settled with his family and focused on personal recovery from his injury.[19]Awards and decorations
Overview of honors
Ralph Parr is recognized as one of the most decorated pilots in U.S. military history, having earned over 60 decorations during his 32-year career spanning World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.[3][1] His accolades highlight exceptional valor, leadership, and aerial skill across multiple conflicts, with a total of over 8,000 flying hours and 641 combat missions.[2] Notably, Parr stands alone as the only American aviator to receive both the Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross, the highest valor awards below the Medal of Honor.[2][20] Among his major honors, Parr received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in aerial combat during the Korean War, where he downed multiple enemy aircraft while protecting fellow pilots under intense threat.[3][1] He was awarded the Air Force Cross for similar bravery in Vietnam, leading daring strikes against enemy positions to support ground forces during the Battle of Khe Sanh.[21] Additional key decorations include a Silver Star for gallantry in action, a Bronze Star, three Legions of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in combat and non-combat duties, ten Distinguished Flying Crosses recognizing heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight, and 41 Air Medals for meritorious service in sustained combat operations.[2][3] These awards, distributed across his service in three wars, underscore Parr's pivotal role in advancing U.S. air superiority and his repeated demonstrations of courage in high-risk missions.[1]Notable citations
One of the most notable recognitions of Ralph Parr's valor occurred during the Korean War, exemplified by his Distinguished Service Cross for actions on June 30, 1953. The full citation reads:The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain Ralph Sherman Parr (AFSN: 0-28206), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of an F-86 type aircraft of the 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, Fifth Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 30 June 1953. On that date, while leading a formation of two F-86 type aircraft on a combat air patrol deep in enemy territory, Captain Parr was attacked by a formation of ten enemy MIGs. Exhibiting superb airmanship and extraordinary gallantry, Captain Parr positioned himself on the attackers. Despite the imminent threat from the hail of cannon fire from behind, Captain Parr selected his target, and with a long burst from his guns, destroyed one of the enemy MIGs. Against superior numbers of enemy aircraft, Captain Parr, although under a continual hail of enemy cannon fire, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, again valiantly counter-attacked another of the threatening aircraft. Utilizing extraordinary flying skill, Captain Parr tenaciously followed the enemy through a series of violent, evasive maneuvers until he gained the advantage and scored multiple hits on the MiG, causing it to burst into flame. While turning to move to surprise another of the enemy aircraft, Captain Parr broke off his attack to answer a call of distress from a friendly aircraft. Although dangerously low on fuel, Captain Parr, at great risk to his life, provided aggressive and determined protection for the distressed friendly aircraft, escorting it safely back to base. Captain Parr's keen flying skill in turning the tide of battle despite overwhelming odds and his high personal courage in protecting a fellow pilot evidenced conspicuous gallantry in action, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces and the United States Air Force.[22]This engagement marked Parr's tenth and final aerial victory, making him a double ace and contributing to the last confirmed MiG kill of the war.[14] During the Vietnam War, Parr earned the Air Force Cross for his role in the Battle of Khe Sanh on March 16, 1968. The full citation states:
The Air Force Cross is presented to Ralph S. Parr, Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing force as an F-4C aircraft commander near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, on March 16, 1968. On that date, Colonel Parr participated in a flight providing cover for cargo aircraft. Upon arrival over the target, the forward air controller advised the flight that the airfield was under heavy attack by hostile mortar positions, which were located a few feet below a ridge line. Although the target area was covered with dense smoke and haze, Colonel Parr successfully destroyed one mortar position on his first pass, as six well-camouflaged heavy automatic weapons opened fire on him. Although sustaining severe damage to his aircraft, he pressed his second attack and destroyed another mortar position. Again, completely disregarding his personal safety and the withering hostile gun fire, Colonel Parr succeeded in destroying six heavy caliber automatic weapons positions. In between passes, his accurate and timely directions to his wingman effectively insured the accuracy of ordnance delivery in close proximity to the friendly forces. Only after delivering all of his ordnance at point-blank range in eight consecutive passes did Colonel Parr terminate his attack. By destroying these strategically located weapons, he not only impaired the hostile force’s capability to impede the resupply of Khe Sanh, but also reduced further losses to friendly cargo aircraft and crews. Through his superb airmanship, aggressiveness, and extraordinary heroism, Colonel Parr reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.[23]Parr's actions that day were pivotal in supporting the besieged Marine base at Khe Sanh, where his low-level strikes neutralized threats that could have disrupted critical resupply efforts amid the siege.[24] The language in both citations emphasizes recurring themes of "extraordinary heroism," "complete disregard for personal safety," and "superb airmanship," underscoring Parr's tactical brilliance and selflessness under extreme duress. Historically, these awards highlight his unique status as the only U.S. aviator to receive both the Distinguished Service Cross and Air Force Cross, symbolizing exceptional valor across two major conflicts and influencing standards for aerial combat recognition.[2]