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 Warrant Officer (W-1) Normand Paul Perron (ASN: W-3160818), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 57th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 February 1969. Warrant Officer Perron distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as aircraft commander of a UH-1H helicopter involved in the extraction of a reconnaissance team which was in heavy contact with the enemy. After having to abort the first approach into the landing zone, he began circling the area in search of a better avenue of approach. On the second attempt, he again encountered intense enemy machine gun fire, but skillfully maneuvered his aircraft into the hostile area and made a perfect landing. Once on the ground, the ship was subjected to a deadly cross fire from several enemy positions, but Warrant Officer Perron calmly held the aircraft on the ground long enough for the reconnaissance team to safely board. Upon departing the area, his ship was hit several times and crash landed. The hail of murderous enemy fire, coupled with the impact of the crash, mortally wounded Warrant Officer Perron. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.