Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant John R. Norman (MCSN: 0-14797), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Division Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-321), Marine Air Group THIRTY-ONE (MAG-31), FOURTH Marine Aircraft wing, during aerial combat against enemy Japanese air forces in the Rabaul Area, 23 January 1944. Leading a four-plane division on a fighter sweep over hostile territory, First Lieutenant Norman daringly intercepted an outnumbering force of Japanese fighter planes. Pressing home his attacks aggressively, he delivered concentrated fire on several groups, exploding two fighters in mid-air, sending a third crashing in flames and causing the wing of a fourth to disintegrate. His superb airmanship, his courage in the face of tremendous odds and his gallant fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Norman and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received