AIR COMMANDO 2 Parker, Robert Blaine (Bob)

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Parker
  • FORENAME
Robert Blaine (Bob)
  • UNIT
3 Air Rescue Squadron
  • RANK
First Lieutenant
  • NUMBER
18003A
  • DATE OF DEATH
28th November 1950
  • AGE
26
  • GRAVESITE
Monte Vista Memorial Park,Johnson City,Washington County,Tennessee Section 19 Lot 15 Space 2
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Jonesborough,Tennessee
born 9.9.1924 Lamar Community,Jonesborough,Tennessee
son of Charles Hubert and Sarah (nee Lyle) Parker
husband of Janelle Parker (no children)
graduated Lamar High School 1943
U.S.N. (Patrol Bomber Squadron 148) 1944-45
USAF postwar
trained as pilot
award D.S.C. posthumously
pilot
H-5H (49-2009)
on return from mission crashed due lack of fuel 10 miles north of Sinanju,North Korea
originally buried UN Cemetery,Pyongyang,North Korea
remains returned to US Forces 1955
 

DATE OF DEATH:

28-Nov-1950

CITATION:

Distinguished Service Cross : The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Robert Blaine Parker (AFSN: A0-18003), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Rescue Helicopter Pilot with Detachment F, 3d Air Rescue Squadron, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 28 November 1950. Lieutenant Parker departed Anju, Korea, and flew an unarmed helicopter more than ninety miles over enemy occupied territory in an attempt to rescue a naval pilot downed near the Manchurian border. Lieutenant Parker undertook this hazardous mission fully aware that hostile opposition could be expected and the return flight would tax the maximum range of the craft and involve night flying for which it was not equipped. Aided by two naval fighter aircraft in the area, he located the pilot, with utter disregard for possible sniper fire, landed the helicopter and effected the rescue. During the return flight, this mission was further imperiled by darkness, poor visibility and a dwindling fuel supply. Despite the odds against him, Lieutenant Parker bravely continued on until he reached friendly lines but crashed while attempting an emergency landing. Lieutenant Parker's extraordinary act of heroism in which he gave his life, and consummate devotion to duty reflect untold glory on himself and the noble traditions of the United State Air Force.
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