The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Ray A. Norris (MCSN: 1226888), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Headquarters and Service Company, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 24 – 25 July 1953. Assigned the difficult and hazardous mission of re-establishing wire communications between a rifle company command post and three platoons, Sergeant Norris proceeded to the exposed forward slope of the main line of resistance and skillfully effected the installation of wire communications during continuous illumination and devastating enemy small arms, mortar and artillery fire. When the lines were again severed by hostile fire, he volunteered to re-establish the vital communications despite the withering enemy fire and constant illumination. Later, he volunteered to assist in evacuating four seriously wounded Marines from an exposed crest on the main line of resistance to the company aid station approximately one thousand yards away. Despite the murderous enemy fire, he made three trips on foot to carry the stricken evacuees to safety. On the following night, after the third reinstallation of the vital land lines, he again organized and assisted an evacuation party in carrying six wounded men from an important position. By his resourcefulness, courageous initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Sergeant Norris served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.