SrA Goodie J. Goodman

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM - SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA - AFGHANISTAN

GOODIE J. GOODMAN

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Senior Airman Goodie J. Goodman, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States while serving with the 21st Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron in Helmand Province, Afghanistan from 27 to 29 September 2014.

On these days, while attached to a U.S. Special Forces team, Airman Goodman displayed extraordinary bravery and complete disregard for his own life as he and his teammates assaulted an insurgent safe haven.

Throughout the first day of the operation, coalition forces came under heavy fire from an overwhelming force in which he directly engaged the enemy while coordinating with other combat controllers for close air support from F-16s and AH-64s. While enemy machine gun fire impacted a wall within six inches of his head, he held his rooftop position in order to repel the overwhelming insurgent force.

Airman Goodman and the team heroically repelled the assault after fierce fighting within 40 meters of his position, but soon after, a massive barrage of heavy machine gun, rocket propelled grenade, and sniper fire erupted from six enemy locations. With friendly forces taking fire from within 200 meters, he immediately directed AH-64 attack helicopters in multiple strikes on the closest threats while simultaneously coordinating and deconflicting danger close mortar fire on another maneuvering enemy 300 meters away.

He maintained a steady flow of fires through a choreographed alternation of aerial strikes and mortar fire, subduing the enemy attack for hours. At one point, Goodman drew the enemy out by instructing the loud, low-flying AC-130 to remain outside of audible range. When the enemy initiated a massive attack, Goodman controlled both aerial fires from the AC-130 and mortar fires from friendly ground forces until they retreated. After 48 hours of intense combat, Airman Goodman controlled 28 attack helicopters and 20 fixed wing assets for a total of 26 engagements; six at danger close range, 45 times with mortars, resulting in seven enemies killed. He also removed their ability to maneuver and fight by destroying five buildings, 14 vehicles, and nine fighting positions.

Without a doubt, Airman Goodman's actions saved the lives of coalition soldiers on the ground by combining air and ground fires to repel multiple enemy attempts to overrun and capture friendly positions.

By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty, Airman Goodman has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Home of Record: Bronx, New York

Action Date: September 27 - 29, 2014

Air Force Senior Airman

21st Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron