The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Norman Philip Gutzwiler (MCSN: 2251344), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-SEVEN (HMM-367), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 September 1968, Corporal Gutzwiler launched as Crew Chief aboard the second aircraft in a section of two armed UH-1E helicopter gunships assigned to escort a medical evacuation aircraft to an area northeast of Khe Sanh. Arriving over the designated area, his helicopter was in the process of making its first rocket run when Corporal Gutzwiler alertly observed that the warhead of the number one rocket in the left pod had become detached and was pointing toward the aircraft. Realizing that the pilot was ready to fire the rocket and that there was not sufficient time to inform him of the danger, Corporal Gutzwiler fearlessly leaned out of the aircraft and retrieved the warhead, despite the extreme hazard involved in such an action. Immediately after he completed the retrieval, the rocket was fired and harmlessly disintegrated. Aware that a reporting of the incident might distract the pilot from his mission and that his machine gun fire support was urgently needed, he resolutely manned his weapon and delivered accurate suppressive fire against the enemy positions. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and prevented certain damage to his aircraft and possible casualties among the crew. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Gutzwiler upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.