Col. Ralph Parr, USAF, Retired/Airman Magazine/Feature

Published 30 August, 2012 at 1600 × 1280 in DOUBLE ACE
Retired Col. Ralph Parr holds a portrait of himself as he looks toward the window of his room. Parr joined the Army Air Forces and began pilot training in 1942. He flew the P-38 Lightning in World War II and the F-86 Sabre during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was the only military member to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross. In total, Parr flew 641 combat missions, serving in three wars. He was medically retired on Oct. 17, 1976. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.)

Retired Col. Ralph Parr holds a portrait of himself as he looks toward the window of his room. Parr joined the Army Air Forces and began pilot training in 1942. He flew the P-38 Lightning in World War II and the F-86 Sabre during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was the only military member to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross. In total, Parr flew 641 combat missions, serving in three wars. He was medically retired on Oct. 17, 1976. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.)

Retired Col. Ralph Parr holds a portrait of himself as he looks toward the window of his room. Parr joined the Army Air Forces and began pilot training in 1942. He flew the P-38 Lightning in World War II and the F-86 Sabre during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was the only military member to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross. In total, Parr flew 641 combat missions, serving in three wars. He was medically retired on Oct. 17, 1976. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.)

  • rod embree

    He is a true american hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • gene miller

    My aircraft flew wingman to Parr when he shot down the last plane of the Korean war. Does anyone know the name of the pilot who flew my F-86 ??? He lives in Florida but I have lost his name and address. If you know, please email me :
    Thank you. Gene Miller in Muskogee, Okla. (birthplace of James Jabara) I was crew chief on F-86 S/N 51-2794 named “GWENNY”

  • edwardcclark

    Dear Col.Parr,

    I hope this letter finds you in good health.I just saw the 16 Migs vs you in saber 959 over the skys of Korea.

    That was a very fancy bit of flying,very fancy! I am amazed at your sucess considering the odds against you ant the sabers limitations.

    Please don’t get me wrong I feel the saber was a good airplane but all airplanes have their limitations,and I feel you utilized that airplane on that particular amazing day to it’s limits,and maybe a little beyond.Great work Sir.I salute you for your bravery and Thank you for your service on our behalf. Ed Clark 303-550-3511.

    Denver,Colo.

  • Carl Pio Parlatore

    Dear Col Parr,
    I had the honor and privilage of flying combat with you in VN when you were the Wing CO at Phu Cat AB. Till my dying day I will bost that I few the wing of one of the greatest fighter pilots of the jet age. Happy landing Sir
    Very respectfully – Col Carl Pio Parlatore, USAF, (Ret.)