The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Christopher M. Gooch (ASN: 0-1998118), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 313th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 April 1945 in Germany. When the civilian mayor of the town of Ruhrort approached an infantry battalion commander with the statement that he would accompany an officer into the city of Duisburg in an effort to secure the surrender of enemy forces, Lieutenant Gooch, Battalion S-2, volunteered to undertake the mission. Accompanied by an American interpreter and unarmed, he made his way under a white flag well over a mile into enemy lines where he was blind-folded and eventually led to the enemy battalion headquarters. Although he was unable to secure a surrender, his cool tact in the discussion persuaded enemy officers to insure his safe return to a rendezvous point, pre-arranged with friendly troops. Although the officers of the Wermacht thought it inadvisable to allow the mayor to return, Lieutenant Gooch successfully persuaded them to insure his safe return. During this return trip the German civilian mayor was allowed to proceed without a blindfold because of a slight lameness. The mayor was able later to give valuable information as to the disposition of enemy troops and emplacements. The great courage and intelligent application displayed by Lieutenant Gooch in a dangerous situation reflect high credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.