Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Division:

    11th Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    February 6, 1945

    Headquarters, 11th Airborne Division, General Orders No. 191 (December 24, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Philip G. Goedeke (ASN: 32770138), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 6 February 1945. The patrol of which Corporal Goedeke was a member was ambushed by a superior enemy force. Corporal Goedeke and two other men crawled through the enemy lines and silenced one of the enemy machine guns. During this action Corporal Goedeke and his two companions were wounded but they remained in position. The trio harassed the enemy with carbine and sub-machine gun fire so that the rest of the patrol could withdraw in safety. To effect the withdrawal of his two companions, Corporal Goedeke stayed behind and initiated covering fire, so that the two men withdrew to safety. When these latter two had reached comparatively safe ground. Corporal Goedeke crawled through enemy fire and although wounded again, he rejoined his companions. Corporal Goedeke’s quick thinking, courage, and devotion to duty undoubtedly saved the lives of the men in the patrol and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.