The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Kevin Michael Norman, United States Army, for heroism during aerial flight on 12 August 2003, while serving as Commander, Company A, 6th Battalion, 52d Aviation Regiment, 17th Aviation Brigade, Seoul Air Base, Korea. Through great courage and incredible flying skills, Captain Norman was able to prevent his disabled aircraft from crashing into a Korean village, saving the lives of an untold number of local national civilians. Captain Norman’s heroic actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 17th Aviation Brigade, the EIGHTH United States Army, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Captain Kevin M. Norman, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally heroic actions and extraordinary flying achievement while participating in aerial flight in service to the United States as Commander, A Company, 6th Battalion, 52d Aviation Regiment, 17th Aviation Brigade, Seoul Air Base, Korea, on 12 August 2003. Captain Norman was flying a C-12 Huron on a routine maintenance test flight from Seoul Airbase, Korea when the plane encountered mechanical problems. He and his co-pilot, Chief Warrant Officer 3 David W. Snow heroically struggled to keep the failing aircraft from crashing into the homes of the local national population, saving the lives and property of the people of Kongse-Ri. Several witnesses, including Lee Chae-Soo, a local Korean property owner, said the pilots purposely steered the disabled aircraft away from the homes in the community. Chae-Soo was quoted as saying, ÒI’m thankful for those pilots, as I feel they sacrificed themselves to protect the residential area.Ó Despite the plane being on fire, the witnesses say it changed course and maneuvered away from the village. Lieutenant General Charles C. Campbell, the Commander of 8th United States Army at the time of the incident, said in an official press release, ÒOur heartfelt condolences go out to the families of these two heroic aviators who did everything they could to prevent civilian casualties.Ó Captain Norman demonstrated incredible courage and fortitude during this chaotic and terrifying accident. His thoughts and actions put the lives of others above his own. The people of Kongse-Ri are extremely grateful for his incredible flying skills and heroic actions that saved their lives. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 17th Aviation Brigade, the 8th United States Army, and the United States Army.