The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Hoyt T. Goodale (ASN: 0-1290934), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 25 December 1944, near ****, Belgium. When a platoon of his company, assigned to demolish a bridge, came under heavy enemy attack, First Lieutenant Goodale proceeded to the point of attack and assumed personal control. In the face of enemy armored vehicles reinforced by infantry and with complete disregard for his own safety, First Lieutenant Goodale set up a machine gun in a commanding position. Although exposed to intense enemy fire he retaliated so heavily and accurately that the Germans were forced to retreat. Gathering a few men, First Lieutenant Goodale then cleared the area temporarily of enemy troops and coolly blew the bridge. His courage, aggressiveness and initiative prevented a serious penetration of our lines. First Lieutenant Goodale’s conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.