Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Norman C. Carey (ASN: 0-1285008), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Belgium, on 15 January 1945. On 15 January, Captain Carey commanded Company A, *** Infantry Regiment, in a dawn attack on the town of ****. After leading his unit in traversing precarious open ground, killing hostile sentinels and engaging the enemy in bitter street fighting. Captain Carey learned that the town was defended by an enemy battalion which his depleted company three-to-one. Realizing the necessity for tank support, he crossed a thousand yards of exposed terrain to reach a radio, called for armor, and returned to his unit under a hail of enemy fire of all types to direct the first tank into position. Displaying inspirational leadership and courage, he then led his men in a house-to-house assault on the town, repeatedly exposing himself to withering fire in order to point out targets for tanks and self-propelled guns. His brilliant direction of a tank-infantry team resulted in the death or capture of all the defending enemy troops, and is in keeping with the best military traditions.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    *** Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 18 & 19, 1944

    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 9 (January 29, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Norman C. Carey (ASN: 0-1285008), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Germany, on 18 and 19 December 1944. The 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, was ordered to attack the town of **** on the night of 18 December, without prior reconnaissance of the ground, and Company A, commanded by Captain Carey, was given the mission of moving into the town by following a route along the **** River on the right flank of the other two attacking companies. About 300 yards from ****, heavy enemy fire from emplacements in the outskirts of the town forced the attacking companies to defiladed positions. Captain Carey held his unit in position, personally reconnoitered a route, and led his company through the enemy lines and into the town, skillfully avoiding enemy patrols known to be operating in the area. Strong enemy resistance was encountered at the outskirts, and Captain Carey led his troops in fierce hand-to-hand fighting which forced an enemy withdrawal, then established positions in buildings from which the enemy had been driven. He then sent guides to the other two companies of the battalion to lead them into the town by the same route. On the following morning, Captain Carey led his troops in house-to-house street fighting until enemy resistance was overcome and the town captured. His intrepid leadership, keen tactical knowledge, and disregard for personal safety are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.