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October 9, 2008
Lt. Norris was born on January 14, 1944 in Jacksonville, Florida, and entered United States Naval Service at Silver Spring, MD.
In Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, from April 10 to 13, 1972, Lt. Norris was serving as U.S. Navy SEAL Advisor of the Strategic Technical Directorate Assistance Team at the Headquarters of our U.S. Military Assistance Command.
Lt. Norris completed an unprecedented ground rescue of 2 downed pilots deep within heavily controlled enemy territory in Quang Tri Province. Lt. Norris, on the night of 10 April, led a 5-man patrol through 2,000 meters of heavily controlled enemy territory, located 1 of the downed pilots at daybreak, and returned to the Forward Operating Base (FOB).
On 11 April, after a devastating mortar and rocket attack on the small FOB, Lt. Norris led a 3-man team on 2 unsuccessful rescue attempts for the second pilot. On the afternoon of the 12th, a forward air controller located the pilot and notified Lt. Norris. Dressed in fishermen disguises and using a sampan, Lt. Norris and 1 Vietnamese traveled throughout that night and found the injured pilot at dawn. Covering the pilot with bamboo and vegetation, they began the return journey, successfully evading a North Vietnamese patrol.
Approaching the FOB, they came under heavy machinegun fire. Lt. Norris called in an air strike which provided suppression fire and a smoke screen, allowing the rescue party to reach the FOB. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, undaunted courage, and selfless dedication in the face of extreme danger, Lt. Norris enhanced the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
For his outstanding actions, Lt. Thomas R. Norris was awarded the Medal of Honor.
FSM salutes the memorable achievements of all of our great American military. Visit the Hall of Heroes for additional information about our magnificent American Medal Of Honor recipients.
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