The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Norman R. Prance (ASN: RA-16938524), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Prance distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 January 1969 while serving as a Radiotelephone Operator with Company C, 5th Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission near Thu Thua. After his commanding officer had been mortally wounded during the initial moments of a fierce fire fight with a large enemy force, Sergeant Prance immediately began directing the maneuvers of his company to meet the hostile threat. Exposing himself to the barrage of enemy fire, he moved to a forward position and adjusted artillery supporting fires and tactical air strikes onto the hostile force. As the battle increased in intensity, Sergeant Prance courageously maintained his hazardous position and continued to effectively direct the deployment of his company, preventing the enemy from overrunning their perimeter. Sergeant Prance’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.