HSC-9 Sailor Receives Navy and Marine Corps Medal for Heroic Actions

A U.S. Navy Sailor who was at the right place, at the right time in October 2019 was awarded for his heroic actions with the prestigious Navy and Marine Corps Medal on Dec. 1 aboard Naval Station Norfolk.

Naval Helicopter Aircrewman 1st Class George Parsons III, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, was at his Elizabeth City home on Oct. 24, 2019 when a police officer came through his neighborhood chasing an assailant. When he saw that the assailant was trying to take the officers weapon, Parsons sprung into action and helped detain the suspect.

Parsons has received other accolades for his bravery, such as recognition from the Elizabeth City Mayor, Bettie J. Parker who awarded him with a Mayoral Certificate of Appreciation last November thanking him for his assistance in aiding the Elizabeth City Police Department.

 “I am honored to receive an award like this,” said Parsons, who had no idea the squadron was set-up in a formation to recognize him for his bravery more than a year ago.

During the ceremony, Rear Adm. John Meier, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic presented the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Parsons in front of his entire squadron and upper echelon leadership.

“The fact that he responded so immediately without thinking about your own personal safety and only thinking about how to defend that law enforcement officer truly reflects credit on yourself, on our Navy and Naval Aviation, and the squadron,” said Meier. “I am honored to be here to today to meet you and present the award.”

Cmdr. Michael Marks, commanding officer, HSC-9, who served as the executive officer at the time Parsons rendered assistance to the Elizabeth City police officer emphasized the importance of receiving this prestigious award for his Sailors’ actions.
“Amazing to see this award come to fruition,” said Marks. “I have never seen this award presented before. It is the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism.”

Marks added that Parsons is the best embodiment of our all-volunteer service who make up less than one percent of the U.S. population who serve.

HSC-9 employs the MH-60S in a variety of missions to include Anti-Surface Warfare, Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Helicopter Visit Board Search and Seizure, Anti-Terrorism Force Protection, Personnel Recovery, Combat Search and Rescue, Search and Rescue, Plane Guard, Special Operations, Medical Evacuation, Non-Combatant Evacuation, Vertical Replenishment, and Disaster Relief.