The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Norman Lee Pacholke (MCSN: 1648557), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 10 August 1968, while participating in a battalion size search and destroy operation, Company B was assigned to secure Hill 310 in Quang Nam Province. As the lead element advanced toward the objective, the Marines suddenly came under intense rocket and automatic weapons fire from a large, well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force. During the ensuing fire fight, the company became pinned down and sustained numerous casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Staff Sergeant Pacholke rapidly deployed his men and, with complete disregard for his own safety, fearlessly led a determined assault across the fire-swept terrain. Sustaining a serious wound, he ignored his painful injury and, shouting words of encouragement to his Marines, ably directed accurate suppressive fire upon the enemy. Boldly advancing by fire and maneuver, he led his men to several fortified hostile positions and, firing directly into the emplacements, killed numerous North Vietnamese soldiers. Ordered to break contact to allow supporting arms to be employed against the enemy force, Staff Sergeant Pacholke continuously moved about the hazardous area, supervising the evacuation of casualties while personally moving one mortally wounded and two injured Marines to positions of relative safety. His heroic actions and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of two fellow Marines. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Staff Sergeant Pacholke upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.