The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Willard H. Goetsch (ASN: 36802093), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 21 February 1945. As a patrol was reconnoitering an approach to a battalion objective, it was fired upon by a number of the enemy with rifles and hand grenades. Private Goetsch courageously crawled forward, although drawing hostile fire and placed extremely effective automatic rifle fire on the enemy positions, causing the Japanese to withdraw. Although wounded during this action, he maintained a heavy volume of fire, under which three other wounded members of the patrol were carried to safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.