Kemper Goffigon III

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Kemper Goffigon, III, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Officer in Charge of a Landing Craft Tank (LCT(5), during amphibious operations at New Britain Island on 26 December 1943. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Goffigon’s LCT(5), was attacked by Japanese dive bombers and riddled by shrapnel that killed two men and wounded 16. He courageously disregarded his own painful injuries and, showing forceful leadership and outstanding skill, immediately undertook strong protective measures to control damage and care for the wounded personnel. With the engineering plant and rudder badly damaged, he reassembled his remaining men and labored tirelessly for five hours in the combat zone to effect repairs which enabled his ship to return to a place of safety under her own power. The conduct of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Goffigon throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 337 (April 1945)