Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 2006-10-25
Invested on: 2007-02-19
Captain Goddard is recognized for her exemplary service in Afghanistan as the Forward Observation Officer and Forward Air Controller for C Company, Operation ARCHER, from January 2006 until her death in combat in May 2006. Her spirit and unfaltering dedication were without equal. She accepted all risks as she coordinated a complex mix of artillery, aircraft and electronic warfare equipment with technical perfection and unwavering calmness. This courageous soldier volunteered on at least five occasions to conduct reconnaissance operations in villages where, only weeks before, the enemy had inflicted devastating attacks on coalition forces. Captain Goddard’s passionate and professional approach to her duties and to those in her charge directly inspired all mission members and greatly contributed to the mission’s success.