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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Lloyd Lee Gooding (ASN: US-54377179), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Gooding distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 23 September 1966, while serving as a rifleman with Company A, 2d Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during military operations in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Gooding’s platoon had maneuvered to the flank of several well entrenched and heavily armed enemy bunkers. As the platoon began to assault the bunkers, Private First Class Gooding came under enemy automatic weapons fire less than twenty meters from his position. Without hesitating he worked his way toward the bunker and destroyed it with hand grenades. Realizing he would need more grenades to be effective against the enemy entrenchments, he ran across an open field toward the location of the remainder of his company where he could re-supply. As he ran he saw one of his comrades lying wounded in the grass. Thinking only of his friend’s safety, Private First Class Gooding attempted to return the wounded man to the company where he could receive aid. While he was helping the wounded soldier, Private First Class Gooding was himself mortally wounded. Private First Class Gooding’s display of courage, aggressiveness and dedication to a fellow soldier is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.