In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation designating a bridge in Paint Borough, Somerset County as the Staff Sergeant John P. Parks Memorial Bridge.

John P. Parks was born on June 21, 1913, in Beaverdale, Pennsylvania. During deployment in WWII, Sgt. Parks accomplished a feat of heroism while occupying Guipavas, France. After discovering a machine gun position, approximately 30 yards to its front, the patrol was preparing to withdraw when Sgt. Parks charged the German crew. He seized control before the six Nazi gunners could fire so much as a single shot. With the machine gun knocked out, 21 other Germans emerged from foxholes and hedgerows, surrendering to Sgt. Parks.  Sgt. Parks was a recipient of the Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star. Accompanying the award of the Silver Star was a citation telling in detail of his action stating, “the gallantry and initiative above and beyond the duty displayed by this enlisted man are in keeping with the highest tradition of service”.  Sgt. John P. Parks passed away at his home in Windber, Pennsylvania on January 21, 1995. He is survived by one brother and two sisters.

Please join me in honoring the service and heroism of John P. Parks.