Floyd Parks was born on January 16, 1911, in Salisbury, Missouri. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1930, and was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Marine Corps on June 1, 1934. Lt Parks served at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from 1934 to 1935, and then served aboard the heavy cruiser USS Astoria (CA-34) from 1935 until he entered flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida, in May 1936. Lt Parks was designated a Naval Aviator on June 12, 1937, and then served at NAS San Diego, California, from August 1937 to June 1940. He served as an instructor pilot at NAS Pensacola from June 1940 to May 1941, and then served with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at MCAS Quantico, Virginia, from May 1941 to March 1942. Maj Parks served with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing in San Diego from March to May 1942, and then took command of VMF-221 at Midway, where he served from May 1942 until he was listed as Missing in Action on the first day of the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. His remains were never recovered, and he was declared dead on June 5, 1943. The destroyer USS Floyd B. Parks (DD-884) was named in his honor.

His Navy Cross Citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as Squadron Commander for Marine Fighting Squadron TWO TWENTY-ONE, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Midway, June 4, 1942. Leading his squadron in a dauntless and aggressive attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese bomber and fighter planes, Major Parks aided in disruption the plans of the enemy and lessening the effectiveness of their attack, thereby contributing materially to the success of our forces. As a result of his courageous and daring tactics and because of the circumstances attendant upon this engagement, there can be little doubt that Major Parks gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country. He displayed the characteristics of a fine leader and excellent airman in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.