AWARDED DFC: 4
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  WWII
MODEL:  F-6F

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant David Riggs Park, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Air Group Two, attached to the U.S.S. Hornet, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area, on June 11 and June 19, 1944. With his plane attacked by hostile aircraft during a fighter se=weep in the Marianas Islands area, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade,) Park engaged and shot down two fighters and, intercepting an overwhelming airborne group threatening our carrier task forces during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, attacked and destroyed a third. By his skill as an airman and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Park upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant David Riggs Park, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Plane in Air Group Two, attached to the U.S.S. Hornet, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on June 20, 1944. Participating in a long-range strike against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of the Marianas Islands, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant, Junior Grade,) Park launched a bombing and strafing attack to assist in damaging hostile vessels. His skill as an airman and devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Park and the United States Naval Service.

3.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, David Riggs Park, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron Two, attached to the U.S.S. Hornet, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Ponape and Guam from May 1 to June 13, 1944. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Lieutenant, Junior Grade (then Ensign) Park executed bombing and strafing attacks against hostile installations and airborne planes, inflicting damage on enemy shipping, airfields and other defenses in support of our invasion forces. His skill and courageous devotion to duty in the face of heavy antiaircraft fire and aerial opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

4.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, David Riggs Park, United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron Two, attached to the U.S.S. Hornet, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Palau and Philippine Islands Areas form September 7 to September 13, 1944. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, Lieutenant, Junior Grade (then Ensign) Park executed bombing and strafing attacks against hostile installations and airborne planes, inflicting damage on enemy shipping, airfields and other defenses in support of our invasion forces. His skill and courageous devotion to duty in the face of heavy antiaircraft fire and aerial opposition were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.