The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Garland D. Godby (ASN: 0-1285576), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 25 December 1944 in Luxembourg. After Ringel, Luxembourg, was liberated on 25 December 1944, the enemy counterattacked with a numerically superior force. Captain Godby, commanding an infantry company, personally placed his men in position to repel the enemy and then manned a .50 caliber machine gun in spite of severe small arms fire in the area. Observing an enemy threat against which a tank destroyer could be best used, Captain Godby turned the machine gun over to an enlisted man and, running through heavy mortar fire, directed a nearby tank destroyer in driving back and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Captain Godby’s courage, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.