And Then Sparks Flew
South Park High School’s Fallen Warriors in Air Units
by Matthew E. Parsons
Who were they? And Then SPARKS Flew studies 70 former students from South Park High
School who lost their lives in service while assigned to air units. 66 served during World War
II and 4 served during the Vietnam war. This research study takes a close look at who they
were, their service in war and in a number of cases impact on family at home. It includes
extensive, well-sourced information that had formerly been classified confidential and secret at
the time, obtained from the US Air Force by request, and other sources.
Includes:
• Pre-service information
• Aircraft they flew in and their jobs
• Where they were assigned at the time of loss
• How they lost their lives
• Missing in Action information
• Receipt of NYS Conspicuous Service Cross and other decorations
• Their final chapter
These and many other questions are answered in this community heritage project to remember
South Park High School’s fallen warriors.
Matthew E. Parsons was born and raised in South Buffalo and
graduated from South Park High School. He was further educated
at Erie Community College, State University College at Buffalo,
Grantham University and Troy State University. He served with
Buffalo Police as a police cadet, a uniformed patrolman and a
plainclothes officer. He and his wife Mamie and their children left
Buffalo in 1981 for the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service
where he served in several locations including more than 10 years
outside the U.S. in Japan, Okinawa and Iraq. He retired from law
enforcement after more than 39 years of service.
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$24.00Price

RPSS - Rock Paper (Safety) Scissors Publishing
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