Sergeant Norman A. Paul distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as Flight Mechanic of a CH-53 helicopter near Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975. Sergeant Paul was a member of a helicopter crew which twice attempted to deliver a contingent of United States Marines to the small landing zone on the beach in spite of continuous hostile fire. With their aircraft streaming fuel and leaking oil from extreme battle damage, they still managed to assist in the rescue of a downed aircraft before recovering in friendly territory. This action aided in the recovery of the SS Mayaguez and its crew. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Paul reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.