Korea Medal: Sergeant John Norris Parker, 77 Squadron RAAF

Air Force Cross: Squadron Leader John Norris Parker, No 1 (Bomber) Operational Conversion Unit RAAF

Accession Number	REL47338.005
Collection type	Heraldry
Object type	Medal
Physical description	Cupronickel
Maker	Unknown
Place made	United Kingdom
Date made	c 1953
Conflict	Korea, 1950-1953
Source credit to	This item has been digitised with funding provided by Commonwealth Government.

Description

Korea Medal, impressed around edge with recipient's details.

History / Summary

This Korea Medal relates to the service of Sergeant John Norris Parker, as a pilot in 77 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during the Korean War.

This unit was initially equipped with the propeller driven P-51 Mustang until the introduction of the jet powered MiG-15 by the Communist Chinese in 1951. The Mustang was replaced by the inferior British designed and built Gloster Meteor jet fighter, known to many pilots at the time as the 'meatbox'.

Sergeant Parker flew the Meteor on combat operations over the Korean Peninsula in 1952. For his excellent flying during the course of this period he was awarded a Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) and an United States Air Medal.