The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Phillip C. Norton, United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with the Marine Advisory Unit, Naval Advisory Group, from 7 January to 20 December 1972. Throughout this period, Captain Norton performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. As Advisor to various Vietnamese infantry battalions, he participated in fifteen combat operations, including the fierce battle to recover enemy-occupied Quang Tri City, and planned and coordinated hundreds of artillery, naval gunfire, and close air support missions. On numerous occasions, he advanced with the lead elements and disregarded his own safety to coordinate the delivery of supporting arms fires and assist his counterpart in directing offensives against the enemy. During one operation when his Vietnamese battalion came under a heavy tank/infantry attack, Captain Norton quickly brought all available naval gunfire to bear on the enemy and then, despite the intense anti-aircraft fire in the area, conducted an aerial reconnaissance aboard a low-flying helicopter to coordinate air strikes on difficult hostile targets. Largely as a result of his determination and tactical expertise, the Vietnamese Marines overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles and secured assigned objectives with minimal casualties. Captain Norton’s initiative, superb professionalism, and unwavering devotion to duty earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Norton is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)