The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Thomas Elmer Norris (AFSN: FR-77071), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 1 July 1967. On that date, Captain Norris was assigned to destroy a vital rail yard and rolling stock located there. Under adverse weather conditions and in the face of prolonged intense anti-aircraft fire, he was able to locate and destroy several trains, a rail siding, and main track lines. In the face of extreme danger, and without protection of the main force, he dealt a crippling blow to the opposing force. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Norris reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Thomas Elmer Norris (AFSN: FR-77071), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 29 June 1967. On that date, Captain Norris was assigned to destroy the Kep Railroad Yard and the rolling stock located there. Flying through some of the most intense anti-aircraft fire yet encountered, the flight quickly accessed the target and coordinated the attack. Despite the accurate anti-aircraft artillery which damaged the number two aircraft, the flight pressed the attack destroying one train, heavily damaging another and severely cutting the rail lines. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Norris reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Thomas Elmer Norris (AFSN: FR-77071), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 13 July 1967. On that date, Captain Norris attacked and destroyed a SA-2 site located in North Vietnam. Flying through anti-aircraft fire and under constant threat of SAM attack, he delivered his bombs on target causing several secondary explosions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Norris reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Thomas Elmer Norris (AFSN: FR-77071), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot over North Vietnam on 5 July 1967. On that date, Captain Norris attacked a heavily defended and highly strategic rail bridge northeast of Hanoi, North Vietnam. In spite of MiG’s, SAMs, and accurate anti-aircraft defenses he successfully completed the mission. The flight was then recalled to a high threat area to provide rescap for a downed Navy pilot. The flight remained in this highly vulnerable area for forty minutes before the rescue effort was terminated due to darkness. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Norris reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.