The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Norman W. Knox (MCSN: 0-16190), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Intelligence Officer of the Third 155-mm. Howitzer Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 10 May 1945. While leading his patrol in search of a hidden mortar which had been harassing his unit, First Lieutenant Knox observed an enemy soldier entering a cave and, directing his group to surround the entrance to the cave and cover his approach, pursued the Japanese. Observing that the two hand grenades which the enemy threw as he drew close to the mouth of the cave would endanger the lives of his patrol, he threw himself between the grenades and his patrol and, taking the force of the explosion with his own body, received wounds in the head and abdomen. By his unselfish action, he enabled his group to destroy the enemy and save the battalion from further harassing and from deadly fire from this location. His initiative, courage and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.