World War II veteran David C. Parrish flew the P-47 over the European theatre with the 368th Fighter Group. Part of the 396th Fighter Squadron of the Ninth Air Force, the “Thunder Bums” escorted bombers from England, participated in the D-Day invasion, and flew missions from bases in France and Belgium.

He is cited for “bravery in action and calmness under dangerous conditions,” as on June 15, 1944, when his flight of four was attacked by FW-190s. “The skill and aggressiveness with which Lt. Parrish led his flight in the ensuing battle resulted in his destroying one plane and his flight destroying two others.”

His recommendation for the Silver Star – for gallantry in hostile action, performed “with marked distinction” – was based on his actions of Aug. 8, 1944. As the second flight of an eight-plane mission, Lt. Parrish became separated from the lead. The patrol was close to Domfront, France, finished and on its way home, when the controller reported one hundred enemy fighters in the vicinity.

Although low on fuel (he had already sent his Number Two man home), Parrish led his flight toward the fighters above him. Gaining altitude advantage, he dived into the enemy formation, which dispersed and reversed course. Parrish closed on one enemy plane at 4,000 feet and destroyed it. He pursued and fired upon another enemy plane at tree-top level, causing the pilot to bail out. “Realizing the danger to friendly bombers and with complete disregard for his personal safety,” Lt. David Parrish led his flight of three to successfully turned back 25 enemy fighters. Sen. Mitch McConnell personally awarded Parrish the Silver Star on May 26, 2004, not quite 60 years later. His courage and humility truly distinguish David Parrish as one of America’s Greatest Generation

Born in Bourbon County on May 14, 1921, David and his brother Jim attended Greenbriar Military College. When war broke out, David, Jim, and their brother Shack joined the Army Air Force. Jim served with distinction in the Pacific theatre; Shack was killed in action over France. Parrish married Susan Taylor Hyde; they have three children and four grandchildren. He farmed near Paris until becoming co-owner of the equine insurance firm Clay Ward. The concern owns the 1,100-acre Indian Creek property, one of Central Kentucky’s leading horse farms.