The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major David R. Goodell, III, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Flight Leader, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 2 April 2003. Having provided Close Air Support to 1st Marine Division units for six hours in low light level conditions, Major Goodell led his flight from the Forward Arming and Refueling Point prior to sunrise to support the advance. Arriving on station and finding Regimental Combat Team 5’s lead armor element halted in a vulnerable position along a canal, Major Goodell immediately directed his flight to a secure route. Relaying crucial information concerning traffic ability and threat status, he provided armed reconnaissance for the tank’s advance toward the regimental objective of An Numaniyah. Using all elements of his flight, he quickly detected and identified a coordinated enemy ambush site within the city. Under heavy enemy fire, Major Goodell decisively directed his flight, using precision weapons and multi-axis close-in rocket and gun attacks to destroy over seven armored vehicles and approximately 20 enemy personnel. His quick and highly effective actions enabled Regimental Combat Team 5 to rapidly advance through the objective city of An Numaniyah, across the Tigris River, and secure an initial bridgehead across the Tigris River for I Marine Expeditionary Force’s continued offensive operations toward the capital city of Baghdad. By his superb airmanship, inspiring courage, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Major Goodell reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.