The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Giles Roderick Norrington, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 1968 to March 1973. By his diligent efforts, devotion and loyalty to the United States and under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States. While in daily contact with the North Vietnamese guards and officers, he performed duties in staff positions and maintained good order and discipline among the prisoners. Further, he served as an educator providing diversion and constructive rehabilitative thinking to his fellow prisoners during their long internment. Despite harsh treatment and a lack of material aids, he devoted long hours toward improving their morale and well-being as a member of the entertainment group. His extraordinary skill, resourcefulness, and dedication to duty throughout his lengthy confinement reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Giles Roderick Norrington, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station Whiting Field, from May 1982 to October 1983. Demonstrating inspirational leadership and innovative management practices, Captain Norrington skillfully directed the efforts of the Navy’s busiest airport complex in support of Training Air Wing FIVE flight operations. His initiatives improved operating procedures and facilities and greatly enhanced the safety and operational effectiveness of this enormous training complex. Captain Norrington’s astute and compassionate management techniques were responsible for the success of the Navy’s first transition from civil service to contractor base operating services support. His personal counseling and strict enforcement policies were responsible for more than 50 percent reduction in drug trafficking and use. By serving on several local civic boards and committees and by accepting numerous speaking engagements, Captain Norrington rapidly became a most respected community leader and he cemented a superb and lasting Navy community relationship. Captain Norrington’s devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1970 – January 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Giles Roderick Norrington, United States Navy, for meritorious service as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1970 to October 1971 and from May 1972 to January 1973. Through his ceaseless efforts, in an atmosphere of enemy harassment, threat of torture and brutal treatment, he established and maintained intracamp communications. At great risk and in spite of further cruelty, he continued to devise many unusual and ingenious methods of communications, resulting in American and Allied prisoners resisting the enemy’s demands and at the same time improving the prisoners’ morale. By his heroic endeavors, exceptional skill, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Giles Roderick Norrington, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Captain Norrington culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 5, 1968 – March 14, 1973
Lieutenant Commander Giles Roderick Norrington, United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from May 5, 1968 until his release on March 14, 1973.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Giles Roderick Norrington, United States Navy, for heroic achievement while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in May 1968. Under constant pressure from North Vietnamese interrogators and guards, he experienced harassment, intimidation and ruthless treatment in their attempt to gain military information and cooperative participation for propaganda purposes. He heroically resisted their routine cruelties and never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. These actions served to inspire and improve the morale of his fellow prisoners in the camp. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]