The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Norman Louross Wells (AFSN: 0-3037386/13430498), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as leader of a flight of F-105 aircraft near Kep, North Vietnam on 21 August 1966. On that date, Captain Wells led his flight through minimum weather conditions, savage ground fire and missiles to a successful strike on his assigned target. Immediately after Captain Wells completed his bombing pass, his aircraft received a direct hit by a 37 millimeter anti-aircraft shell. Only his superior skill and cool assessment of the situation allowed him to exit 50 miles through fierce defenses before being forced to abandon his aircraft over the Gulf of Tonkin. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wells reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Air Force Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 29, 1966 – March 4, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Norman Louross Wells (AFSN: 0-3037386/13430498), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 29 August 1966 to 4 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
354th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Norman Louross Wells (AFSN: 0-3037386/13430498), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving an F-105 Pilot of the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action in Southeast Asia in 1966. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
354th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Norman Louross Wells (AFSN: 0-3037386/13430498), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving an F-105 Pilot of the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action in Southeast Asia in 1966. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
354th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Norman Louross Wells (AFSN: 0-3037386/13430498), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving an F-105 Pilot of the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action in Southeast Asia in 1966. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
354th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Norman Louross Wells (AFSN: 0-3037386/13430498), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving an F-105 Pilot of the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action in Southeast Asia in 1966. His professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
354th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
August 12, 1966
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-777 (September 27, 1966)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Norman Louross Wells (AFSN: 0-3037386/13430498), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, near Yen Bay, North Vietnam, on 12 August 1966. On that date, after successfully completing his assigned mission against a target in the Thai Nguyen complex, Captain Wells observed another element of fighters being attacked by MIG-17 interceptors. Captain Wells averted the loss of the two friendly aircraft by plunging into the fight and selflessly placing his aircraft in a highly dangerous sandwich between the attacking fighters, driving one and drawing the other from their attacks on the friendly fighters. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Wells has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
354th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air BaseAction Date:
July 19, 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain Norman Louross Wells (AFSN: 0-3037386/13430498), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Phuc Yen, North Vietnam, on 19 July 1966. On that date, Captain Wells led a flight of F-105 Thunderchiefs against a heavily defended petroleum products storage area ten miles northwest of Hanoi. After penetrating a curtain of exploding steel to deliver his deadly ordnance on this vital target, Captain Wells then shot down one of two MiGs who were attacking the second element of the formation. After a much-needed aerial refueling, Captain Wells provided top cover for a successful rescue by helicopters of a friendly pilot who had ejected over hostile territory. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Captain Wells reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
August 29, 1966 – March 4, 1973
Captain Norman Louross Wells (AFSN: 0-3037386/13430498), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from August 29, 1966 until his release on March 4, 1973.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
354th Tactical Fighter SquadronRegiment:
355th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
Takhli Royal Thai Air Base
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-777 (September 27, 1966)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Norman Louross Wells (AFSN: 0-3037386/13430498), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving an F-105 Pilot of the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action in Southeast Asia. Captain Wells’ gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.