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A true southern gentleman, <em>Carl Mosby Parks </em>was born to Amazia W. Parks in La Grange, NC, where he was reared as a God fearing, trustworthy, inquisitive, active youth.</p>
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He breezed almost effortlessly through his elementary schooling and, as an especially bright student at La Grange High School, he entered North Carolina State College-Raleigh at age 16. After a year and half of academic work and having been exposed to the ROTC program, he turned to a military career. His brief sojourn in Utah, from which Senator William H. King appointed him to the Academy, did not adversely affect his broad southern drawl or his courteous upbringing. Those attributes were retained throughout his short life.</p>
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Carl came to West Point with a sense of humor, a positive attitude, and an easygoing manner. He always seemed to be in control, never ill-tempered but, on the contrary, obliging and a friend to all. Because of his quick mind and scholastic background, academics never were a problem. He concentrated on the military, athletic, and social offerings at West Point. His expertise with the rifle and pistol, combined with his disciplinary record, interest in tactics, military activities, and history helped him rise to cadet lieutenant. He played lacrosse for three years in the springtime and fenced during winter months, earning a Minor "A" in his First and Second Class years.</p>
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His resonant voice contributed to the success of the cadet choir for four years while rewarding him with several trips away from the "Rock on the Hudson." The southern courtesy with which he was imbued, served him well in frequently attended social gatherings, where everyone found him to be a well-mannered, informed, and lively contributor to any activity.</p>
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On Graduation Day, Carl selected Infantry as his branch of service, but within a year he was lured into the Air Corps. After flight training at Randolph and Kelly Fields, Carl was assigned to the Pursuit Squadron at Albrook Field, Canal Zone. In late 1937, he arrived there with Frances, his bride of just a few months. In typical Park's manner, Carl gave an outstanding performance in all his assignments, from counting socks at the base exchange inventory to aircraft maintenance, gunnery, coaching athletic teams, and formation flying. He was in his chosen element and relished being in the air. He was good at flying.</p>
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Also in the Canal Zone, on both the Pacific and the Atlantic sides, there were many contemporaries and classmates who made life very pleasant for him and his bride. Beach parties, lobster hunts, swimming, club functions, horse shows, and athletic events all were attended with great rivalry and enthusiasm. Being gracious hosts, the Parks frequently persuaded guests to remain over night in their hospitable, comfortable quarters. Carl and Frances were a splendid team on the rise in the Army Air Corps.</p>
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Unfortunately, Carl’s outstanding service was cut short. On 17 Sep 1939, according to an eyewitness aboard a commercial airliner from Costa Rica, which Carl was escorting to land in Panama, his fighter plane suddenly swerved and spiraled into the sea. There is no record of the cause of that tragedy.</p>
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So ended an embryonic, brilliant career. We salute you, Carl, as one of West Point’s Long Gray Line of faithful servants whose potential was never fully realized. You gave your life in honorable service to your country. One cannot ask for more. You have been gone for many years, but you have not been forgotten.</p>
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Be thou at peace.</p>
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<em>Classmates '35</em></p>