The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Ben Reed Goodwyn (MCSN: 0-85210), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 March 1966, First Lieutenant Goodwyn’s Company was engaged in search and destroy operations in Quang Ngai Province when two of the platoons were subjected to intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from a battalion sized Viet Cong force. Without hesitation, First Lieutenant Goodwyn moved to the point of crisis to maintain his Company’s momentum in attacking the enemy and personally supervise the maneuvering of his men. Completely disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to the withering hostile fire to direct his units. Keenly observing that the aggressive enemy threatened his Company’s right flank, First Lieutenant Goodwyn led his reserve platoon in an assault of the Viet Cong positions. Although the volume of enemy fire intensified as the battle progressed, he exhibited uncommon composure and courage, constantly exposing himself to danger as he moved from position to position. His personal example and firm leadership served to inspire and motivate all who observed him throughout the bitter engagement in which more than one hundred Viet Cong were killed and numerous weapons were captured. By his intrepid fighting spirit, bold initiative and unfaltering dedication to duty, First Lieutenant Goodwyn upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.