The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician First Class Thomas S. Goen (NSN: 5211892), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving in Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron SIX, temporarily embarked in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64), as first crewman in an armored search and rescue helicopter, on 5 July 1966. In the search for a downed pilot, Petty Officer Goen and the crew of an armored helicopter were vectored among the heavily-defended northern chain of North Vietnamese islands, where the pilot was believed to be in a raft approximately one-half mile offshore of an island. Despite intense enemy fire, the injured survivor was located, but was unable to leave his raft, making it necessary for the helicopter to land in the rough, choppy sea. Observing that the downed pilot was thrown into the water as a result of the raft being dashed against the helicopter by the heavy seas, Petty Officer Goen, without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, jumped from the helicopter into the water to assist the survivor into the rescue sling. While the injured airman was being taken aboard, the rotor downwash and the sea pulled Petty Officer Goen out of sight of the crew. He was later sighted several yards away and pulled to safety. Petty Officer Goen’s daring action, exceptional skill and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.