The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Norman W. Gourley (MCSN: 0-25560), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Director for Operations, Operations Directorate, Headquarters, United States European Command, from September 1970 through August 1972. During this period, Brigadier General Gourley was responsible for and directly supervised the operational, exercise, and planning activities in support of United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments for the European area of responsibility. In this extremely critical position, he contributed materially to the attainment of United States and NATO objectives in Europe by exercising dynamic leadership, superior professional competence, and sound, perceptive judgment. Brigadier General Gourley’s initiative, diligent supervision, and direct involvement in numerous major projects were key factors in the resolution of numerous complex issues at national and international levels. By his superb performance, he furthered the interests and security of the United States and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
Marine Fighter Squadron 115 (VMF-115)Action Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Norman W. Gourley (MCSN: 0-25560), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMF-115), in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier General [then Colonel]Action Date:
September 1, 1969 – August 19, 1970
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General [then Colonel] Norman W. Gourley (MCSN: 0-25560), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, from 1 September 1969 to 19 August 1970. Throughout this period, Brigadier General Gourley performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, he ably supervised and coordinated the myriad activities of his large section and was instrumental in the superb operational readiness of the command’s widely dispersed air and ground units. Working tirelessly, he assisted in coordinating the phased redeployment of Marine elements from the republic of Vietnam to bases in Japan, Okinawa, Hawaii, and California, and formulated sound policies for the continued support of those units still committed to combat operations. In addition, he directed the formulation of vital contingency plans and implemented systems and concepts which expedited the process of structuring and posturing Marine amphibious reserve forces. Despite the constant pressure of his command staff duties, Brigadier General Gourley was always available to assist less experienced action personnel in resolving complex problem areas and played a major role in the professionalism and expertise displayed by junior officers of the G-3 Division. Reassigned as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4 on 18 June 1970, Brigadier General Gourley continued to distinguish himself by his perceptiveness and extraordinary ability to evaluate operational requirements and initiate proper actions. Under his brilliant guidance, contingency plans for logistic operations at the end of hostilities were formulated and maintained in a current status and transportation plans were effected which ensured the efficient execution of planned KEYSTONE ROBIN deployments. His resolute determination and seemingly unlimited resourcefulness earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the mission of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. By his initiative, professional acumen, and indefatigable devotion to duty, Brigadier General Gourley rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
Marine Fighter Squadron 115 (VMF-115)Action Date:
July 28 – August 8, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Norman W. Gourley (MCSN: 0-25560), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMF-115), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Bismarck Archipelago Area, from 28 July to 8 August 1944. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant Gourley carried out a patrol and bombing attack against Kavieng and pressed home attacks against hostile installations on Rabaul, Cape Amba and Kapu, thereby contributing materially to the success of his squadron in the infliction of damage on the enemy. His skilled airmanship and courageous devotion to duty in the face of anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
March 1977 – March 1978
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Norman W. Gourley (MCSN: 0-25560), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director for Operations on the Staff of Commander in Chief Pacific from March 1977 through March 1978. During his tenure, Major General Gourley was the chief proponent of major initiatives for improving security throughout the vast geographic area of the Pacific Command. Keenly appreciative of national interests and sensitivities and professional experienced in joint military operations, he was steadfastly dedicated to the development of new and innovative measures designed to enhance the demonstration of United States resolve to support our allies, to increase the preparedness of our military forces to efficiently respond to limited crises, and ultimately, to defend the United States against attack throughout the Pacific Ocean. A dynamic but compassionate leader, who through his comprehensive understanding of the command and its mission, his managerial dexterity, and his perceptive counsel, he stimulated exceptionally meaningful productivity and warm, corporate fellowship. Major General Gourley’s distinctive achievements, astute leadership, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Norman W. Gourley (MCSN: 0-25560), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Norman W. Gourley (MCSN: 0-25560), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.