Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Warrant Officer, Junior Grade [then Master Sergeant] Norman H. Ellis (ASN: W-2151354), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division in Korea. On 2 October 1951, near Chorwon, Korea, Company K was in an assembly area making preparations to move to a forward position. While loading the truck with various types of high explosives and ammunition, an incendiary grenade was accidently ignited, causing the remainder of the ammunition on the ground to start exploding. Warrant Officer, Ellis, First Sergeant, foreseeing the possible devastation which might ensue, moved through the open terrain that was saturated with falling shell fragments. Upon reaching the ammunition dump, he rapidly and calmly cleared the burning incendiary grenade from the rear of the truck to prevent the immediate explosion of all the ammunition. He burned his hands painfully but realizing that the lives of the troops were endangered, he ran to the front of the truck, quickly started the motor and drove the heavily laden truck to safety. This display of extreme courage and initiative was instrumental in saving the lives of many of his fellow-soldiers and in preventing the destruction of much valuable equipment. Warrant Officer Ellis’ heroism reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer, Junior Grade [then Master Sergeant]

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 11, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 29 (January 15, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Warrant Officer, Junior Grade [then Master Sergeant] Norman H. Ellis (ASN: W-2151354), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 11 September 1951, when Company K, 3d Battalion, while on a probing mission near Makkwar-dong, Korea, made contact with the enemy, it was subjected to intense fire from hostile artillery, mortar, automatic weapons, and small arms fire. By contacting the enemy, the unit accomplished its mission of ascertaining enemy strength and positions and was preparing to withdraw when word was received that a squad remained pinned down by hostile fire, unable to evacuate its wounded. Hearing this, Warrant Officer Ellis requested and obtained sufficient volunteers to accompany him on a rescue mission. While leading the patrol toward the harassed squad, he was wounded by shrapnel from an exploding artillery shell, but steadfastly remaining with the group, Warrant Officer Ellis urged his patrol through the intense hostile fire until reaching the distressed squad. After establishing a defense perimeter and directing a base of covering fire, he immediately started evacuating the wounded; when they were out of danger, he ordered the rear guard squad to withdraw, himself bravely covering the displacement. When a hostile machine gun pinned the rescue patrol down in a narrow gap, he dashed to an exposed position, remaining there a quarter of an hour delivering accurate fire upon the foe until all friendly elements had safely withdrawn. The exemplary gallantry and resolute determination displayed by Warrant Officer Ellis reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.