The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Milton G. Norum (ASN: 0-397867), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Executive Officer, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division (then Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment), in action against an armed enemy on 20 September 1950 in the vicinity of Chogye, Korea. On that day a company of his battalion was ordered to seize Hill 239. The initial attack was met by fierce and fanatical resistance that inflicted many casualties and resulted in the loss of all platoon leaders. As a result the company was disorganized and incapable of continuing the assault. Upon being informed of the situation Colonel Norum left the comparative safety of the command post, which e was operating in the capacity of Battalion Executive Officer, and went immediately to the hard-pressed company. Arriving at the area, he made a rapid estimate of the situation, speedily reorganized the company while under intense enemy mortar, machine gun and small arms fire, and led a charge which drove the enemy from the hill. Had it not been for the superior leadership of Colonel Norum, who inspired the men of the company with his cool disdain for the dangerous enemy fire, it is doubtful that Hill 239 could have been captured with the forces available. The gallantry displayed by Colonel Norum reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Milton G. Norum (ASN: 0-397867), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Executive Officer, 2d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 3 September 1950 in the vicinity of Am-Sin, Korea. On this date the enemy, attacking in a numerically superior force was forcing one of the companies of his battalion to withdraw, thereby threatening the security and position of the entire battalion. Learning of this, Colonel Norum voluntarily left the comparative safety of his command post and led a section of heavy weapons and a section of tanks to support the withdrawing unit. Upon arrival at the scene of battle, he rallied and reorganized the disheartened troops into an efficient fighting unit. Moving through intense enemy machine gun and mortar fire, he instilled in them, by sheer force of will power, the courage and determination necessary to counterattack in the face of almost hopeless odds. He then successfully led the counterattack, gaining all ground previously lost, and effected a consolidation of their positions under heavy mortar and artillery fire. The gallantry and tactical ability of Colonel Norum on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.