(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class James M. Goodin, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a platoon mission to capture or kill a Taliban leader on 15 July 2009, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. Sergeant First Class Goodin positioned himself with the rear element, which was taking the heaviest volume of fire, and fought his way through the ambush down a draw, which led into an open valley. He also put his life in danger to assist two of his Soldiers who were injured by a large boulder. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.