Norman B. Sumner

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Norman B. Sumner (1805926), Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Crew Chief of a UH-34 Helicopter with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 December 1965, Sergeant Sumner’s helicopter was sent on an emergency evacuation mission to rescue a wounded Army advisor and evacuate the crew of a crashed Marine helicopter in insurgent communist (Viet Cong) controlled territory. As his helicopter landed, hostile fire was received. With complete disregard for his own safety, he jumped out of the aircraft and ran to the aid of the wounded advisor. While still under direct enemy fire, Sergeant Sumner climbed a steep bank, only to find his path blocked by a barbed wire fence. Tearing down this obstacle with his bare hands, he ran across an exposed area for twenty-five yards, but found his route obstructed by an eight foot bamboo fence. Tearing a hole in the fence, he reached the wounded advisor, lifting him to his shoulder and returning across the same exposed and heavily defended area, successfully loading him aboard the waiting helicopter. Resuming his regular duties as crew chief, Sergeant Sumner immediately delivered heavy suppressive machine gun fire on enemy positions. By his heroic actions and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Sergeant Sumner upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”