Dorris L. Goodwin

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Dorris L. Goodwin (1172347), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 6 October 1952. Serving as an automatic rifleman, Private First Class Goodwin displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty. He was a member of the defending force on an outpost far forward of the main line of resistance, when the enemy launched a determined assault accompanied by a devastating barrage of mortar and artillery fire. As the enemy troops neared the position, he found that only he and one other Marine were left to defend the left flank, but with complete disregard for his personal safety, he moved forward to an exposed position from which he delivered deadly fire on the advancing foe. As the attackers entered the friendly trenches and attempted to move through the position, he unhesitatingly moved to more exposed areas and continued to sweep the enemy with killing fire until he forced them to abandon their assault. Private First Class Goodwin’s stamina and aggressiveness served as an inspiration to all who observed him and his gallant and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.