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 Sergeant Lionel Godeaux (ASN: RA-18274823), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 31 August 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date, during an attack against a strongly fortified and well armed enemy position, Sergeant Godeaux’s platoon was pinned down by intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Sergeant Godeaux led a squad through the dense mountainous terrain to the most advanced position of the platoon. He commenced firing, inflicting numerous enemy casualties, while the platoon withdrew to better positions. As his squad started to withdraw, Sergeant Godeaux voluntarily remained behind to fight a rear guard action and remained in this position until the entire squad had taken cover. In the attempt to rejoin his men, Sergeant Godeaux was fatally wounded by enemy fire. The gallantry in action displayed by Sergeant Godeaux reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.