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U.S. Army Air Forces military orders awarding an Oak Leaf Cluster to C. Walder Parke, June 10, 1944

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U.S. Army Air Forces military orders awarding an Oak Leaf Cluster to C. Walder Parke, June 10, 1944

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Title	U.S. Army Air Forces military orders awarding an Oak Leaf Cluster to C. Walder Parke, June 10, 1944
Subject	Parke, Charles Walder, 1924-1996 Military decorations Bombing, Aerial
Time Period	1940s
Description	Military orders from the U.S. Army Air Forces officially presenting C. Walder Parke with an Oak Leaf Cluster award. Oak Leaf Clusters in the Army Air Forces, and in the modern Air Force, designate subsequent awards won in the same category as an initial award. This Oak Leaf Cluster augments the Air Medal that Parke had previously been awarded. According to U.S. Air Force website, the Air Medal recognizes "meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight." Charles Walder Parke was born on July 28, 1924, and grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1942 intending to be a pilot during WWII, but spent most of his military career as a navigator on B-17 Flying Fortresses in the 94th Bombardment Group. Parke earned two Bronze Stars, an Air Medal with several Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his successful bombing missions, including some over Berlin. He is best known for being on board a B-17 which was shot down over France by German planes on June 25, 1944, during a non-combat mission. The crew managed to make an emergency landing, and everyone inside survived. After the war, Parke founded the Cleveland-based Laurel Industries Inc., which became a prominent supplier of antimony oxide to the plastics industry. He died of Lou-Gehrig’s Disease on September 15, 1996, at the age of 72.
Creator	United States. Army Air Forces
Date of Original	June 10, 1944
Collection	Charles Walder Parke WW2 Collection
Source	MSS 1510; Box 1, Folder 12
Format	Manuscripts Orders (Military records)
Extent	21.1 cm x 13.3 cm; 8.3 in x 5.2 in
Submitting Institution	Ohio History Connection
Rights	Online access is provided for research purposes only. For rights and reproduction requests or more information, go to http://www.ohiohistory.org/images/information
Type	StillImage
File Name	MSS1510_B01F12_001.tif
Image Height	3130
Image Width	4991
File Size	46889108 Bytes
Full Text	RESTRICTED Oak Leaf Cluster to AM GENERAL ORDERS ) Hq 3d Bombardment Division APO 559 10 June 1944 EXTRACT NO. 193 Under the provisions of Amy Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943, and pursuant to authority contained in ltr 200.6. Hq. Eighth Air Force, 2 April 1944, subject: "Awards and Decorations," an OAK LEAF CLUSTER is awarded, for wear with the Air Medal previously awarded, to the following-named Officer, organization as indicated, Army Air Force, United States Army. Citation: For exceptionally meritorious achievement, while participating in heavy bombardment missions over enemy occupiedContinental Europe. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by this Officer upon these occasions reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. CHARLES W. PARKE 0-707975 2nd [crossed out--1st] Lieutenant 410th Bombardment Squadron (H), 94th Bombardment Group (H). By command of Major General LE MAY; OFFICIAL: A. W. KISSNER Brigadier General. U.S.A. Chief of Staff O. T. DRAEWELL Major, Air Corps Adjutant General RESTRICTED
Date created	2014-07-17

U.S. Army Air Forces military orders awarding an Oak Leaf Cluster to C. Walder Parke, June 10, 1944

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