The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Paul D. Normand (MCSN: 2438799), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Field Radio Operator with Battery E, Second Battalion, Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 5 June 1969, during Operation CAMERON FALLS, Private First Class Normand was attached to and moving with two platoons of Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines which were advancing along the Da Krong River eight miles southwest of the Vandegrift Combat Base when the Marines initiated contact with a reinforced company-sized North Vietnamese Army force occupying well-camouflaged positions on an overlooking cliff. The platoons were subjected to an extremely heavy volume of enemy rocket-propelled grenade, small arms, and automatic weapons fire, as they battled the enemy from a narrow ridge on the edge of the river. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Normand repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he moved throughout the hazardous area and continually switched frequencies on his radio in order to simultaneously control air strikes, supporting artillery fire, and medical evacuation helicopters. When a call came for replacements, he boldly ran forward to a position in the perimeter where he alertly observed and killed two North Vietnamese Army soldiers who were moving onto a rock overlooking the friendly lines. Throughout the engagement, Private First Class Normand, undaunted by the heavy volume of hostile fire, valiantly aided in obtaining and distributing ammunition along the lines and assisted in carrying casualties to the landing zone. During the night, he ably directed two medical evacuation helicopters into the fire-swept area by radio and flashlight. When the second aircraft was struck by North Vietnamese fire as it lifted out of the area and crashed into the river, Private First Class Normand unhesitatingly dived into the turbulent water and succeeded in extracting four Marines from the submerged helicopter. His heroic and valiant actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of several of his fellow Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Normand upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.