Norman Green graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1962. He retired as a U.S. Navy Commander.
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Norman Green graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1962. He retired as a U.S. Navy Commander.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Norman Richard Green, Jr. (NSN: 0-659077/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in aerial flight as a pilot of jet reconnaissance aircraft attached to and serving with Light Photographic Squadron SIXTY-TWO, Detachment 42, in U.S.S. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42), on 1 November 1966. Lieutenant Green led a flight of five aircraft on a mission to obtain photographic reconnaissance of vital shipping in the area of the North Vietnam port facility and harbor at Haiphong. Upon approaching the area, his reconnaissance section was fired upon by a surface-to-air guided missile. Having observed the missile lift off, he quickly decided upon a bold and gallant course of action well beyond that impelled by duty. After successfully evading the missile he turned his reconnaissance section of unarmed aircraft to dive directly at the site. Although a second missile was fired, he courageously pressed his run, obtaining outstanding strike photography of the newly constructed and well camouflaged missile site. Detaching his wingman to guide the support aircraft in for an attack which damaged the site, Lieutenant Green then proceeded to accomplish the primary mission by executing a daring, unescorted run through the Haiphong harbor. Outstanding photography was obtained and all aircraft returned safely to the ship despite the grave threat of hostile MiG aircraft then airborne in the area. Lieutenant Green volunteered to return to the scene for bomb damage assessment. He accomplished his primary mission of bomb damage assessment in an outstanding manner. His complete grasp of every facet of the tactical employment of his aircraft and flight, daring leadership, rapid and aggressive decisions, expert airmanship and photographic ability, concern for the safety of others, and gallant and intrepid actions in the face of grave danger resulted in the destruction of two surface-to-air missile sites and in the gathering of intelligence data vital to the safe conduct of future operations in the area. The outstanding manner in which Lieutenant Green successfully led both missions has thoroughly distinguished both himself and the United States Naval Service.