The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Gordon D. Goerke (ASN: 0-1060461), 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 2 March 1945 in Germany. On that date, Captain Goerke, a rifle company commander, was leading his men in an assault on Aach, Germany. A heavy concentration of enemy mortar fire temporarily delayed the attack. Exposing himself to the severe shelling, Captain Goerke moved from man to man and soon encouraged the company to advance to its objective. On entering the town another mortar concentration was registered among the men during which Captain Goerke was mortally wounded. Captain Goerke’s courage, leadership, and devotion to duty inspired his men to continue under great odds and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.