The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Platoon Sergeant Basil Norman, Jr. (MCSN: 321162), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action 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 anti-boat 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 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.