Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William R. Norris (ASN: RA-14327484), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 4 October 1951, Company A was assigned the mission of seizing and securing Hill 281, near Chungsee-ri, Korea. Corporal Norris, an assistant recoilless rifle gunner, was advancing with the company against the objective when his platoon was pinned down by intense hostile machine gun fire. Voluntarily leaving his position, Corporal Norris courageously moved forward to locate the position of the well-hidden enemy automatic weapons emplacement. Returning to the platoon, Corporal Norris, pinpointing the enemy emplacement, enabled the recoilless rifle crew to destroy it. After the platoon had advanced a short way further, hostile machine gun fire once more threatened to halt its forward movement. Again Corporal Norris unhesitatingly moved out into the bullet-splattered terrain to locate the hostile emplacement, and after returning, directed destructive recoilless rifle fire upon it. The exemplary gallantry displayed by Corporal Norris reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 31, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 240 (June 30, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Private First Class William R. Norris (ASN: RA-14327484), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 31 March 1951, near Tongduchon, Korea, when A Company’s advance against the firmly entrenched enemy on Hill 526 was halted by heavy fire, Private Norris, assistant gunner of a recoilless rifle team, voluntarily braved the intense enemy fire and moved with his gunner to an exposed position in an attempt to locate and destroy two hidden enemy machine gun emplacements. Fearlessly exposing himself in order to draw the hostile fire and reveal the positions of the enemy weapons, he then assisted the gunner in knocking out the hostile emplacements. Private Norris’ heroic actions aided the company to continue its advance and seize the objective and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.