The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class William David Gouger, Jr. (ASN: RA-67156074), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Gouger distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 February 1969 while serving as Pointman for the Reconnaissance Platoon, Company E, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on an ambush patrol in Long An Province. When his platoon came under intense fire as they moved toward their night location, Specialist Gouger courageously took up an exposed position to provide a heavy volume of suppressive fire as his comrades sought cover. He then started to crawl toward a hostile machine gun emplacement and, although gravely wounded as he moved forward, continued on to destroy the position with a hand grenade. After this valiant act, he succumbed to his wounds before aid could reach him. Specialist Fourth Class Gougher’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.