The account that follows is a true story and the third in a series titled, Portraits of Valor. We have invited individuals from our community of supporters to share stories of valor, service, and sacrifice. Whether that be their own experience or the experiences of family members or friends, Portraits of Valor is a celebration of those who have dedicated their lives to serving others. If you are interested in submitting a story for Portraits of Valor, Click Here.
Guy W. Parks Jr. was born in Anson, Texas Dec 25th 1925. His Mom and Dad were farmers and his Dad was also a carpenter. During WWII, Parks joined the Army and at age 19 landed on Utah Beach D-Day plus 6. He spent 248 days in combat, and was with the Army of Occupation after the war. He returned to the states and was discharged. When he arrived home, his little sister, Kay, just happened to be the switchboard operator that took his call for a friend to pick him up and take him home from the train station. He wanted to let his homecoming be a surprise. His sister recognized his voice but didn’t let on. She immediately called his folks and the whole family rushed to greet him when he arrived. He didn’t know until much later how they all knew he was coming home.
When the Korean war broke out he re-enlisted and was sent to Korea with the 2nd Division 2nd Military Police. He was the NCO platoon Sergeant responsible for 40 MP’s. Though soft spoken, he was by this time a combat hardened soldier. Guy was tough, having earned the nickname “Bull”. His family remembers him as what they called “a spit and polish” MP! His mother saved all his letters from boot camp at Fort Wolters Texas, until the time he came back from Korea. He was in 5 major campaigns in Korea. The last was the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, where the 2nd Division “ran the Gauntlet”. He was wounded twice that day, once by friendly fire, his own artillery trying to clear the pass ahead of the column, and once by hostile machine gun fire. His oldest daughter was born while he was there. He came home and wanted to be a lifer, but his wife convinced him otherwise.
Guy rarely spoke about his experiences, and most of his medals were lost over time. After he passed in 1979, his son Rod wrote to the Army and they re-issued his medals with his name engraved. His awards included, The Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (two awards), American Service Medal, the E.A.M.E. Theater Medal with two bronze service stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation “Germany”, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal with “silver star”(five bronze), United Nations Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit award for the 2nd Division, and The French Fourragere for the 79th Division. His son managed to keep his Eisenhower jacket pristine all these years, and it will continue to be passed down to the family’s future generations.
Flags of Valor is committed to remembering our heroes. You honor us by sharing your story, allowing everyone to further understand the many sacrifices that make our nation special. Thank you Guy Parks and your entire family!
