The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Emerson Goodrich (NSN: 0-122174), United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action as assistant to the officer in charge of the combat information center aboard the U.S.S. REID (DD-369) while that vessel was serving as air guard ship for a group of six destroyers supporting the landing at Finschhafen in September 1943. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Goodrich plotted and evaluated the positions of 60 attacking enemy planes so accurately that the bombing attacks were evaded and the ships were brought through without material damage. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service.