The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Ellis J. Norman (ASN: 38265929), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 6 to 24 March 1944. AS scout for a six-man patrol on 6 March, he detected a cleverly constructed enemy ambush in time to warn his comrades and save them from certain annihilation. On 13 March, during an attack, he moved aggressively to the front and killed two Japanese. Late in the day, he ably assisted in the repair of a barbed wire entrenchment while under exposure to enemy rifle, mortar and machine gun fire for two hours. As a spotter on 15 March, he fulfilled his mission brilliantly and again killed two of the enemy. On 23 March, while occupying front-line pillbox, he bravely assisted in repulsing repeated enemy assaults, during which twelve Japanese were killed. When one of his comrades was wounded, he left the pillbox to obtain medical help. Running headlong into two of the enemy he killed them both with his rifle. A short distance further, he encountered and dispensed with two more. With his ammunition running low, he returned to the pillbox and killed an additional two of the enemy who were rushing the emplacement. His ammunition replenished, he again set out and returned with an aid man who treated the wounded soldier. Private First Class Norman’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.