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 Private First Class William E. Goan (ASN: RA-14323532), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 23 September 1950, at Chunghoe, Korea. Serving as a member of an anti-tank and mine platoon, Private Goan participated in a tank-infantry attack against bitterly defended enemy strong points. In the course of the action, the lead tank of the column was disabled by an enemy anti-tank mine. To assure against the recurrence of such a loss, Private Goan with two other comrades voluntarily moved well beyond the foremost element of the attack searching for enemy mines. Approaching an enemy roadblock from which poured direct anti-tank fire, Private Goan, while fully exposed to enemy observation, continued his mission until he fell mortally wounded. His courageous action enabled the unit to accomplish its mission with a minimum loss of life and equipment. The gallantry and heroic self-sacrifice of Private Goan reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.