The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Norman L. Imel (MCSN: 606314), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gun Section Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 12 September 1951. When both the gunners and the majority of the crew became casualties during a series of fierce enemy assaults against the company’s positions, Sergeant Imel exposed himself to intense hostile fire to man one of the weapons and delivered devastating counterfire upon the enemy troops. Although painfully wounded by hostile automatic weapons fire, he refused to be evacuated and bravely remained at his post and continued to deliver effective fire on the enemy throughout the night, thereby aiding immeasurably in repelling repeated counterattacks on his position. By his exceptional courage, marked fortitude and aggressive fighting spirit, Sergeant Imel served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.