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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Norman St. Laurent (ASN: 0-5430521), United States Army, for gallantry in action in close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant St. Laurent distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 February 1969 while serving as a Forward Observer with Company C, 3d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on an airmobile operation west of Dong Tam. After his company came under a barrage of incoming rounds, Lieutenant St. Laurent courageously moved through the fusillade to reach a radio and insure continued communication with supporting units. Although seriously wounded as he did so, he coordinated with friendly artillery units until the fire had been silenced, thus preventing his unit from sustaining more casualties. First Lieutenant St. Laurent’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with 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.