posey.house.gov
Viera, FL,
May 25, 2017
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On Wednesday, May 31st, Chief Warrant Officer Two Norman Heller of Viera will be awarded his Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device forty nine years after courageously serving our nation during the Vietnam War. Rep. Posey’s office worked with the Department of the Army and LTC Louis J. Kochanek, USA RET, of Kittery Point, ME, to help secure the medal for Heller.
The Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device is worn to denote participation in acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy.
The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 31st at 10:00 AM in the Brevard County Commission Chambers at the Brevard County Government Complex Center, Building C, in Viera.
“It is a great privilege to award Norman Heller with the Bronze Star Medal with ‘V’ Device for his courageous actions while serving our nation,” said U.S. Rep. Bill Posey. “He was an outstanding officer who served our nation for twenty years in the Korean War and during the height of the Vietnam War, including the Tet Offensive.”
In July 1968, while serving as a counter intelligence officer stationed in Saigon, Heller ran from the security of his quarters to aid an injured American Soldier during a Viet Cong attack. He attempted to engage the enemy while under hostile fire, administered first aid and laid on the ground covering the seriously wounded soldier with his own body until the soldier could be safely moved to an aid station.
Other decorations and awards already earned by Chief Warrant Officer Two Norman Heller include: Good Conduct Medal, 5th Award; National Defense Service Medal 1OLC, 2 OS Bars; Meritorious Unit Citation, 1OLC; Army Occupational Medal (Japan); the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Korean Service Medal w/2BS; Armed Forces Honor Medal 2dC1.