Parsons was already an experienced pilot when the war began. He traveled to France at the end of 1915, and served with the United States Ambulance service before enlisting in the French Foreign Legion. In 1916 he became a pilot in the French Air Service and was assigned to N124 in January of 1917. When the war ended Parsons returned to the United States and joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During that time he was also employed as an aviation advisor for several Hollywood movies. As a naval officer during World War II, he was an instructor at Pensacola Naval Air Station and took part in the Solomon Islands campaign, ending the war as a Rear Admiral.

Médaille Militaire
"American citizen, elite pilot, executed the most unpleasant missions with daring and good temperament. He shot down, on August 26, 1918, his sixth enemy plane." Médaille Militaire citation