The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Andrew Jackson Goodpaster, Jr. (ASN: 0-21739), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 48th Engineer Combat Battalion, in action against enemy forces in Italy, on 29 to 30 January 1944. In the effort to seize Cassino, after three failed attempts to cross the Rapido River with corduroy bridged, Colonel Goodpaster was ordered to find a way to get tanks across the river. On the morning of 29 January 1944, he used a streambed as a road for about 1,500 yards to bring the tanks out, well positioned for an attack on the high ground northeast of Cassino. The plan was for the tanks to enter the stream about 3,000 yards north of Cassino where the Germans had blown a bridge. To insure that the plan was feasible, Colonel Goodpaster personally conducted a night reconnaissance on a route that was largely exposed and probably heavily mined. While his Engineers prepared the entry site he completed his reconnaissance and on his return encountered the lead tank. Colonel Goodpaster led the tank the remainder of the way as artillery and sniper fire increased, and the tank set off anti-personnel mines. The tank, from the 756th Tank Battalion, thereby made the first successful tank crossing of the Rapido River and, with the infantry, launched a successful attack resulting in a major penetration of the Gustav Line. Lieutenant Colonel Goodpaster’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.