The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Norman Ernest Tipton, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 187th Glider Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy during the bloody fighting on Nichols Field, Luzon, Philippine Islands, in February 1945. In an assault against the stubbornly resisting Japanese who were well-entrenched in concrete gun emplacements and pillboxes, Lieutenant Colonel Tipton moved forward in the face of heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire to an advanced spot from which he directed fire from an 11th Airborne Division howitzer battery against the enemy positions. While Japanese shells tore up the ground within 20 feet of him, he continued to call the shots over the radio to the gunners until the enemy guns were silenced. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Tipton, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.