The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fifth Class Norman L. Ballance, III (ASN: US-53400505), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fifth Class Ballance distinguished himself by heroic actions on 21 March 1967, while serving as a member of a reaction force with the 2d Battalion, 77th Artillery, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division on a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours, a Viet Cong force of regimental size attacked the position of the battalion with mortars, rockets, and numerous small arms and automatic weapons. With complete disregard for his own safety Specialist Ballance voluntarily joined this reaction force and succeeded in repulsing the Viet Cong from within the perimeter until the force had to withdraw in the face of overwhelming numbers. He elected to remain behind to protect the withdrawal of the reaction force and allowed them to evacuate the casualties and reach safety. While performing these courageous acts, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Specialist Ballance’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.