The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

1stLt FORREST GOODWIN

United States Marine Corps

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

    "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company L, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 2 March 1967. While participating in a search and destroy mission near Cam Lo, in Quang Tri Province, First Lieutenant Goodwin was assigned the mission of searching a recently discovered North Vietnamese Army base camp. As the Marines moved through the area, they were subjected to a sudden heavy volume of enemy automatic and small arms fire from their direct front. The initial burst of fire inflicted numerous Marine casualties. Instantly reacting to the serious situation, he began organizing his men for an assault on the enemy positions. Fearlessly moving throughout the area despite the intense hostile fire, he shouted words of encouragement to his men and directed their accurate suppressive fire on the enemy. When the platoon was in position, First Lieutenant Goodwin ordered the assault and personally led the attack across twenty-five meters of open terrain swept by vicious machine-gun fire. His inspiring example enabled his platoon to successfully overrun the enemy positions with a minimum of casualties.  During this engagement, while courageously leading his men, he fell mortally wounded. By his uncommon courage, inspiring leadership and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Goodwin contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.  He gallantly gave his life for his country.