David Goudge

Jody Hane2021-09-04T09:01:24-05:00

Name: David Goudge
Location of Birth:
Date of Birth: April ?, 1918 or 1919
Date of Death: September 26, 1944 (22 years old) **
Parents: Russell and Louise Goudge
High School and Class: Montevideo, Minnesota
College:
Highest Rank: 1ST LT (First Lieutenant)
Branch: Army
Other Branch:
Date Sworn In: 1940
Place Sworn In: Inducted from California
Date of Discharge:
Place of Discharge:
Military Awards:
Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart

Military Highlights:
Information from news article in Itasca Iron News, dated October 12, 1944:

"One of Four Sons Killed; Another Jap Prisoner
David Goudge, 22, Killed in New Guinea. Alfred Prisoner Over 2 Years

Another Coleraine young man has paid the death penalty in this world war. Mr. and Mrs. Russell Goudge received a message from the United States War Department last Saturday stating that their son, David, 22 years old, was killed the 26th of September in New Guinea, at Aitapl (Aitape). He was in the army infantry.

Another son of the Goudges, Alfred, was taken prisoner by the Japs when Corregidor fell, early in 1942; and except for messages on cards, dictated by the Japs, is not heard from.

David Goudge was the third oldest of the Goudge sons. He was 22 last April. He graduated from high school in Montevideo, but in earlier years, when the family lived in Coleraine, he went to school at Greenway. He enlisted in 1940, and previous to that time was a public accountant in Bemidji.

Ralph Goudge is on leave and came here Monday from Montevideo, on learning of his brother's death. Since he went into service, his wife and children were in Coleraine for a while at his parents' home, but later they went to Montevideo to live with Mrs. William Goudge, whose husband is in service off the west coast."

Information from article in Itasca Iron News, dated August 9, 1945:
"Lt. David Goudge Awarded Silver Star Posthumously

Russell Goudge of Coleraine received the following letter this week from the War Department, informing him that the Silver Star has been poshumously (posthumously) awarded to his son, Lt. David Goudge:

"Dear Mr. Goudge:

"I have the honor to inform you that by direction of the President, the Silver Star has been posthumously awarded to your son, First Lieutenant David Goudge, Infantry. The citation is as follows:
"For gallantry in action against the enemy at _______, on 20 September 1944. Lt. Goudge led a reconnaissance patrol of 11 men directly inland along a trail to search out enemy disposition and strength. Advancing approximately 400 yards the patrol encountered what they believed was a Jap observation post. Lt. Goudge immediately deployed his men on both sides of the trail and placed one man as guard facing up the trail. At this point the guard fired and killed an approaching Jap. This precipitated a brisk exchange of fire which resulted in several casualties on the Japs as evidenced by their cries. At a lull in the firing, Lt. Goudge called upon the Japs to surrender, but the enemy replied with increased firing. Enemy machine gun, rifle and grenade fire revealed the enemy's superior force, well concealed in the dense jungle under growth. Realizing the plight of his small group, and that the only route of escape was across a small clearing in plain view of the enemy, Lt. Goudge exposed himself and continuously fired his carbine until the last man reached a point of safety. He then dropped to the ground from his kneeling position with a bullet through his head. By giving up his life, Lt. Goudge undoubtedly saved the lives of three of his men and his act of unselfish gallantry upholds the highest traditions of the United States Army and the officers leading it."

"The decoration will be forwarded to the Commanding General, Seventh Service Command, Omaha, Nebraska, who will select an officer to make the presentation. The officer selected will communicate with you concerning your wishes in the matter.

"May I again express my deepest sympathy to you in your bereavement.

Sincerely yours,
Edward F. Witsell
Major General
Acting The Adjutant General"

Information from news article in Itasca Iron News, dated September 13, 1945:

"Silver Star Presentation an Impressive Ceremony

R. J. Scofield presided at the American Legion ceremony Friday evening at the Greenway auditorium when Russell Goudge was presented the Silver Star for his son, the late Lt. David Goudge, who was killed in gallant action against the Japanese on New Guinea.

The program opened with two selections by the Coleraine band, led by Cpl. Allen Clark, who is home on a furlough from Memphis, Tenn. at the present time. A statement of the purpose of presenting the Silver Star was given by R. J. Scofield, representing the And-Quist Post of the American Legion, followed by a vocal selection "My Buddy" by Bob Gilbert of Grand Rapids.

Previous to the presentation of the Silver Star, R. J. Scofield read the facts pertinent to the life of Lt. David Goudge. The presentation of the Silver Star was made by Lt. Drury from Fort Snelling, on behalf of President Truman.

The program was closed with the singing of The Star Spangled Banner by the audience, with the Coleraine City Band.

Those who attended the ceremony from out-of-town were Wm. R. Goudge of Beloit, Wis., a brother of the late Lt. David Goudge; Mrs. Marie Dehlin, an aunt, Miss Fern Adamian, a cousin, and Miss Betty Prouf of Duluth; Mrs. A. H. Schroeder, an aunt, and Harold, Dick and Jim Schroeder, cousins of Warba; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Newcome, of Hines, where the Goudge family formerly made their home; ....... and Mrs. Russell Barkla, ..... Merkle and son David, of ......"

David served with the 172nd Infantry Regiment, 43rd Infantry Division of the United States Army.

Wars Involved:
World War II

MIA / POW:
Killed in Action - New Guinea

Civilian Life:
Information from the Itasca County Veteran's Office indicates that David's remains were never found.

David is listed on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial at Manila, Philippines.

There is a discrepancy in date of death. Information from the memorial from the Manila American Cemetery in Taguig City, Philippines and Ancestry indicates David died on September 20, 1944. News article reports the date of death as September 26, 1944.

Tribal Affiliation(s):