AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Operation Inherent Resolve
MODEL:  KC-135H

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Willis W. Parker for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a KC-135R/T Aircraft Commander, 350th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, 379th Air expeditionary Wing, Al Udeid Air Base, Quatar, on 13 April 2024. On this day, Colonel Parker and his crew were tasked to perform a combat air refueling mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. During this sortie, the crew found themselves in the direct line of fire after two regional adversaries launched a coordinated offensive attack on a critical ally of the United States. Despite the high-stakes situation, Colonel Parker maintained his composure and relayed vital real-time information updates to Command and Control, enabling other coalition forces to respond effectively to the attack. While evading airborne threats without the benefit of onboard defensive systems or situational awareness-enhancing tools common to combat aircraft, Colonel Parker and crew continuously adapted to their mission to meet the air refueling needs of numerous combat assets, enabling and enhancing the defense of the unprecedented attack with increased on-station time and engagement potential. Colonel Parker’s exceptional skill as a pilot allowed his crew to offloaded tens of thousands of pounds of fuel during the mission, directly contributing to the successful defense of allied personnel and assets. The successful defense of the United States ally led directly to regional de-escalation over the next several days, saving countless lives. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Parker reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.