Normal W. Sears

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Normal Walker Sears (NSN: 0-59557), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity aboard the U.S.S. ATLANTA (CL-51), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 13 November 1942. After his ship was badly damaged in the course of the engagement, Commander Sears, when informed that the Plotting Room was flooding, immediately rushed below to ascertain the extent of danger and take steps to effect control. Although, upon emerging from the hatch, he was seriously wounded by fragments of bursting shell, he nevertheless made a valiant effort to continue the supervision and direction of repair. His courageous determination and conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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 (Army Award) to Captain Normal Walker Sears (NSN: 0-59557), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Chief of Staff, Attack Force SEVEN, United Nations Command, in the Inchon-Seoul operations during the period 15 September to 21 September 1950. His actions contributed to the success of this operation and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.