Kenneth Sidney Norton

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Kenneth Sidney Norton, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer to the SECOND Ranger Battalion, during the assault on Normandy, France, on 6 and 7 June 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Norton landed with the first wave of Rangers at the base of Ponte Du Hoe. He was one of the first up the cliff. When the Second Ranger Battalion was surrounded by enemy troops in superior numbers, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Norton called for and adjusted fire in great volume and with marked accuracy and effect throughout the day. Without this accurate fire it is probable that the Rangers could not have survived. On the evening of D-Day, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Norton’s forward observer was killed and Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Norton was wounded. He nevertheless continued his efforts, organized an emergency shore fire control net and successfully directed several additional fire-support missions. After being evacuated and treated on the U.S.S. Texas he returned to the battlefield to take up his regular duties. The conduct of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Norton throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 334 (January 1945)