The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Chester L. Goodwin (ASN: 39927338), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 March 1945, in Germany. Detecting an enemy machine gun defending a roadblock, Staff Sergeant Goodwin and a comrade moved boldly through enemy fire and scaled a wall near the position. Although they were uncertain of what they might meet, they dropped to the ground and took many of the enemy by surprise, killing three and forcing the others to flee. Their gallant efforts resulted in the capture of two machine guns and an anti-tank gun, and allowed their platoon to advance to its objective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Goodwin, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.