Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    January 7 – December 20, 1972

    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”.)

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    May 13, 1972

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Phillip C. Norton, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Marine Advisory Unit, Naval Advisory Group. On 13 May 1972, Captain Norton was serving as a Liaison Officer with the SIXTH Vietnamese Marine Corps Infantry Battalion and participated in a major combat operation against the elite North Vietnamese Army Regiment in the enemy-held Hai Lang District of Quang Tri Province. He unhesitatingly volunteered to accompany the initial assault company which was heli-lifted to the target area. As his company debarked, it came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire from the Hai Lang District Headquarters Compound which was the friendly unit’s primary objective. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Norton advanced with the Vietnamese Marines in an aggressive attack on the entrenched enemy and, boldly moving to an exposed vantage point, controlled and coordinated continuous supporting arms fires on hostile targets. As the enemy soldiers retreated in the face of the aggressive attack, Captain Norton pursued them with air strikes which caused severe enemy casualties. Following the seizure of the vital District Headquarters, the SIXTH Battalion was directed to attack to the Southeast and commenced an extremely arduous march through inundated rice paddies and many hazardous river crossings. On two separate occasions, Captain Norton risked his own life as he went to the aid of Vietnamese Marines who were in danger of drowning in the swirling waters. As the march progressed, he rendered first aid to heat and fatigue casualties and single-handedly carried the victims and their weapons and equipment to prevent them from lagging and falling into enemy custody. His courageous actions and selfless concern for his fellowman inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. Captain Norton’s courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of personal danger 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”.)