Rear Admiral HERMAN O. PARISH, was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism as Commander of Destroyer Division fifty on Radar Picket Line, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa on April 14, 1945. Undaunted by overwhelming odds, Captain Parish skillfully directed ships and aircraft under his command in repelling suicide attacks by fifteen to twenty hostile planes, thereby playing a major part in destroying ten aircraft and denying the remainder access to his Task Group. By his courageous leadership, he contributed to maintaining the safety of the Task Force and his devotion to the fulfillment of a vital assignment reflects the highest credit upon Captain Parish and the United States Naval Service.

Admiral Parish joined the Legion of Valor in 1962 and resided in Virginia.