The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William F. Goggin (MCSN: 0-44716), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company D, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 and 9 November 1950. When hostile forces were bitterly contesting the advance north from Chinhung-ni to Koto-ri, First Lieutenant Goggin voluntarily led a reconnaissance patrol around known enemy positions and deep into the enemy concentration facing the advance. Although fully aware of the extreme hazards involved, he skillfully guided his men over precipitous terrain and moved among enemy units for two days to determine the extent of the enemy force. Despite painful wounds sustained when his patrol was engaged in a fierce fire fight by a numerically superior enemy, he continued to carry out his assignment to its completion, succeeding in gaining vital information which permitted friendly forces to move rapidly forward to seize the objective. By his aggressive leadership, courageous initiative and resourcefulness, First Lieutenant Goggin contributed in large measure to the success of the operation and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.