World War II Honoree

Melvin Jesse 'Mel' Parker

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Hutchinson, Kansas

Honored By

Marie Parker

Relationship

Daughter

FLIGHT LEADER, COMMAND PILOT IN 99TH TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON, 441ST TROOP CARRIER GROUP. ON D-DAY, DROPPED PARATROOPERS BEHIND UTAH BEACH. IN SEPTEMBER 1944, FLEW 'MARKET GARDEN' MISSION IN LIBERATION OF HOLLAND. HIS C-47 WAS HIT BY ANTI-AIRCRAFT FIRE, BUT HE DROPPED PARATROOPS ON TARGET AND HAD HIS CREW BAIL OUT THEN BELLY LANDED HIS BURNING C-47. HE WAS CAPTURED, BADLY BURNED, AND HELD POW. RECEIVED THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS IN ADDITION TO D-DAY AIR MEDALS.