The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Alexander P. Goff, Jr. (MCSN: 1162038), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 25 February 1953. When the squad leader was wounded during a raid against a strongly defended enemy position, Corporal Goff immediately assumed command of the unit and moved about the area in the face of intense enemy fire, directing the fire and advance of the Marines until they reached the objective. Although painfully wounded during the action, he refused evacuation and continued to advance until all enemy personnel and fortifications had been destroyed. When ordered to disengage, he skillfully maneuvered the squad, recovered all casualties and returned to friendly lines. By his outstanding courage, leadership and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme peril, Corporal Goff served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.