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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant James L. Goins (ASN: RA-13870695), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Staff Sergeant Goins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 11 November 1967, while serving with Company C, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On the above date, Company C was called upon to reinforce two companies of the 1st Battalion, 503d Infantry, which were surrounded and running low on ammunition. Sergeant Goins was in charge of the point element of the lead platoon when enemy contact was made. He immediately deployed his element and took the North Vietnamese under fire. His quick actions gave the rest of the platoon enough time to deploy. When the platoon began the attack, he saw a North Vietnamese soldier moving up the flank with a rocket launcher. With complete disregard for his safety, he charged the enemy soldier and killed him. While moving his element forward, he encountered a dug-in North Vietnamese who was delivering effected fire on the point squad. While attempting to maneuver against the enemy soldier, Sergeant Goins received a shrapnel wound which broke a bone in his hand. In spite of his wound, Sergeant Goins kept moving toward the enemy and finally killed him. Sergeant Goins then led his men on the double through seventy yards of intense enemy fire in the final assault. Sergeant Goins continually exposed himself to enemy fire, while placing his troops in defensive positions and he played a great part in beating back two North Vietnamese counterattacks, which were coupled with mortar and rocket barrages. While the wounded were being pulled back to a Landing Zone, Sergeant Goins remained behind giving rear security until the rest of the men were back at the old 1st Battalion’s harbor site. Because of the critical shortage of noncommissioned officers which existed at the time, Sergeant Goins refused to be evacuated and remained for another day until ordered to get out on a helicopter and go for medical treatment. Sergeant Goins’ aggressiveness, devotion to duty and personal bravery were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.