The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Norris Miller Overly (AFSN: 16363722/45067/2224354), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commander for Operations and subsequently as Wing Commander, 323d Flying Training Wing, Mather Air Force Base, California, and as Vice Commander, Lowry Technical Training Center, Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado, from 11 June 1971 to 31 January 1976. In these important assignments, the leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Overly resulted in significant contributions to the missions of Mather and Lowry Air Force Bases. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Overly reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 11, 1967 – February 16, 1968
Major Norris Miller Overly (AFSN: 16363722/45067/2224354), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 11, 1967 until his early release on February 16, 1968.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelBatallion:
13th Bombardment SquadronRegiment:
3d Bombardment Group (H)Action Date:
August 20, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Norris Miller Overly (AFSN: 16363722/45067/2224354), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a B-57 Pilot of the 13th Bombardment Squadron, in action beyond the borders of the Republic of Vietnam, on 20 August 1967. On that date, Major Overly, flying a single B-57 at night, provided vital close air support for a vastly outnumbered friendly force under attack by a battalion-sized insurgent force. Diving beneath flare light over treacherous mountains, Major Overly exposed himself repeatedly to intense hostile fire in order to turn back the numerically superior hostile troops. With complete disregard for his own safety, Major Overly made repeated attacks on the hostile force, drove them from their positions, and saved the beleaguered friendly unit. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Overly has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
August 1, 1968 – June 21, 1970
Department of the Air Force, Special Orders GB-654 (August 5, 1970)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Norris Miller Overly (AFSN: 16363722/45067/2224354), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Special Category Manning Section, Officer Management Division, Directorate of Personnel Resources and Distribution, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel for Military Personnel, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 1 August 1968 to 21 June 1970. During this period, Colonel Overly displayed superior professional skill, outstanding initiative and exceptional managerial ability by his conscientious efforts to insure maximum career opportunity for rated Air Force officers, while maintaining the highest levels of professional quality and expertise throughout the Air Staff and other selectively manned United States Air Force activities. His personal knowledge and unselfish devotion to Prisoner of War affairs have afforded immeasurable comfort and aid to the families of detained and missing military personnel. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Overly reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 11, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1818 (October 25, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Norris Miller Overly (AFSN: 16363722/45067/2224354), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a pilot near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam on 11 September 1967. On that date, Major Overly successfully destroyed a vital link in the supply lines of the hostile forces by obliterating a large tanker type fuel truck which was heavily defended by anti-aircraft batteries. In spite of intense ground fire which ultimately caused the crew to abandon the aircraft over hostile territory, Major Overly disregarded his own safety until the target was completely destroyed. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Overly reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.