The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Norman W. Hicks (MCSN: 0-47573), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 April 1951. When the withdrawal of the battalion was endangered by a strong enemy force in commanding positions during retrograde operations in the vicinity of Hwachon, First Lieutenant Hicks led his men up a steep slope in the face of withering hostile fire to deploy his squads and directed a successful assault which routed the enemy from their positions. Later, when ordered to break contact and rejoin the battalion, he skillfully maneuvered his platoon to new positions despite the increasing enemy pressure on both flanks and, the last to leave the area, carried one of his wounded men across an open rice paddy which was interdicted by enemy small arms and mortar fire. By his outstanding leadership, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Hicks served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.