Serial Number: 321162
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to
PLATOON SERGEANT BASIL NORMAN, JR.,
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS,for service as set forth in the following:
CITATION:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the Third Battalion, Second Marines, Second Marine Division, against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, November 20, 1943. Landing with his unit in the first wave, Platoon Sergeant Norman observed an enemy antiboat gun of heavy caliber furiously blasting our landing boats and inflicting heavy casualties. With utter disregard for his own personal safety, he advanced on the enemy weapon in the face of intense rifle fire and, reaching grenade range, quickly silenced the Japanese gun. Boldly continuing his attack on the enemy, he was killed by a Japanese sniper while neutralizing a hostile machine-gun nest. Platoon Sergeant Norman, by his extreme bravery and indomitable fighting spirit, enabled the waves following to land with a greater degree of safety and made possible the capture of a section of the beach by his unit. His heroic conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
For the President,
JAMES FORRESTAL
Secretary of the Navy
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copyright 2010 T.O.T.W.
Created 4 August 2018
