The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Woodruff C. Goble (MCSN: 0-95262), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-262), Provisional Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Nine, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the afternoon of 24 August 1968, First Lieutenant Goble launched as Wingman in a flight of two reconnaissance team heavily engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force four miles northwest of Dong Ha. Forced to abort his first approach to the landing zone due to an extremely heavy volume of hostile antiaircraft fire, he effectively coordinated his second low-level approach with the attack aircraft, landed in the fire-swept area, and disembarked his passengers. Realizing the urgency of reinforcing the beleaguered Marines, First Lieutenant Goble, undaunted by the intensity of the North Vietnamese fire fearlessly maneuvered his CH-46 into the hazardous area on two more insertions and resolutely remained in his dangerously exposed position on the ground until the Marines had disembarked. Despite the exceptional heavy volume of hostile fire encountered during the third insertion which wounded his three crewmen and severely damaged his helicopter, he boldly lifted out of the dangerous area. Experiencing the loss of power and subsequent failure of one of his engines, he skillfully maneuvered his crippled CH-46 to a landing in a nearby secured area and quickly transferred his injured comrades and all non-essential gear to a waiting extraction aircraft. Resolutely determined to prevent the North Vietnamese from capturing or destroying his helicopter, First Lieutenant Goble executed a single engine lift out of the hazardous area and skillfully maneuvered his damaged aircraft over the mountainous terrain to a safe landing at Quang Tri. Resolutely determined to continue the critical reinforcement mission, he acquired another CH-46 and returned to the embarkation point. Seriously injured when his aircraft was extensively damaged by enemy fire and crashed, he was evacuated to the nearest medical facility. His superior aeronautical ability and valiant actions inspired all who observed him and contributed materially to the success of the subsequent ground operations against the North Vietnamese Army force. By his courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Goble upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.