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.
Note: The pilot rescued on the 12th of April was the only survivor of
an EB-66. His name was Lt.Col. Iceal E. Hambleton and his callsign was
Bat 21 Bravo. On April 6th Jolly Green 67 assigned 37th ARRSq DaNang AB
RVN was shot down attempting the rescue of Bat 21 Bravo. All six
crewmembers on this rescue helicopter were KIA.
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