Air Force F-16 commander earns Silver Star

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00:00One of the nation's highest military honors is the Silver Star. It is not handed out lightly or

00:05often. All branches of the military are eligible for this combat recognition,

00:10but in the history of the Air Force, less than 100 have been bestowed. Among them,

00:14the one just given to Lieutenant Colonel William Skate Parks, awarded to him just last month for

00:21an incredible act of valor fighting for the United States. Parks was tasked with a high-stakes

00:26eight-month deployment this year, countering Iranian-backed militants, hostile drones,

00:31and missile threats that involved him leading several F-16 fighting Falcons directly and

00:37deliberately into enemy territory in the Middle East. One of his missions in March was like a scene

00:43straight out of Top Gun, but with real-world consequences. A, quote, barrage of precisely

00:49targeted missiles and anti-aircraft fire rained down on the F-16s for a full 15 minutes.

00:56Parks led the charge defending his troop using violent hygiene maneuvers and countermeasures.

01:02The Air Force said the mission crippled enemy ballistic missile production facilities and

01:07saved the lives of his wingmen. Not to mention he was dodging the firestorm while dangerously low

01:13on fuel. An exceptional act of bravery from a true American hero. Lieutenant Colonel Parks,

01:19we thank you for your service.