THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow servicemen. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

On the remembrance of your 82nd birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fortis.

Dear AX1 Thomas Goen,
Thank you for your service as an Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician 1st Class. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Thomas S. Goen

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician First Class Thomas S. Goen (NSN: 5211892), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving in Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron SIX, temporarily embarked in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64), as first crewman in an armored search and rescue helicopter, on 5 July 1966. In the search for a downed pilot, Petty Officer Goen and the crew of an armored helicopter were vectored among the heavily-defended northern chain of North Vietnamese islands, where the pilot was believed to be in a raft approximately one-half mile offshore of an island. Despite intense enemy fire, the injured survivor was located, but was unable to leave his raft, making it necessary for the helicopter to land in the rough, choppy sea. Observing that the downed pilot was thrown into the water as a result of the raft being dashed against the helicopter by the heavy seas, Petty Officer Goen, without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, jumped from the helicopter into the water to assist the survivor into the rescue sling. While the injured airman was being taken aboard, the rotor downwash and the sea pulled Petty Officer Goen out of sight of the crew. He was later sighted several yards away and pulled to safety. Petty Officer Goen's daring action, exceptional skill and loyal devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 15/PD-3323 (September 28, 1966)

Action Date: 5-Jul-66

Service: Navy

Rank: Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician First Class

Company: Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron SIX

Division: U.S.S. Constellation (CVA-64)

Dear Mr. Thomas Goen,
Thank you for your service during the Vietnam era. Your service has help many people you may not even know. I am ordering a MIA bracelet with your name on it to show I care. I hope that when I get to heaven, I get to salute you as thanks for your service. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Thank you sir,
Vietnam War student