Donald H. Goodlett, Jr.

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Donald H. Goodlett, Jr., Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 2 June 1972. On that date, Sergeant Goodlett, a Pararescue Recovery Technician on an HH-53C rescue helicopter, voluntarily penetrated deep into an extremely hostile and heavily defended area of North Vietnam to assist in the recovery of a downed American airman. At great risk to his own life, he willingly exposed himself to hostile ground forces while manning his minigun position. Sergeant Goodlett’s superior skill in suppressing the ground fire being directed at his vulnerable aircraft was instrumental in the successful completion of this hazardous rescue. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Sergeant Goodlett has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.