AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for actions on 29 May 1945 while he was the lead pilot of a flight of B-29's flying from a base in the Marianas on an outstanding successful daylight tactical mission over the urban industrial area of Yokohama, Japan. They assembled at the briefed time and place without incident and position was maintained by the entire force of bombers. They successfully accomplished the bomb run despite a saturation of sustained barrages of flak and severe fighter attacks. More than 500,000 square feet of the city was laid to waste by the well coordinated assault. Although the lead plane suffered seventy-three separate flak holes while over the target, and some of the control cables were severed and number three engine was damaged and the flight instruments were shot out, the aircraft was flown back to base. Skill, courage and devotion was a great factor in the success of the mission and reflects great credit on all the crew members and the Army Air Forces. Van R. Parker is a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.