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Combat Unit(s):
C.O.
336th Fighter Squadron
4th Fighter Group
8th USAAF

Theatre(s): ETO

Born:
March 21, 1921
New York City, NY

 Victories:
15 Air
15 Ground

Total Sorties: N/A

Decorations:
Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross w/ 8 OLC
Air Medal w/20 OLC
Distinguished Unit Citation;
Purple Heart

 Assigned Combat Aircraft:
Hurricane II
Spitfire Vb, SN: BL772, MD*B
P-47C-RE, VF*B
P-47D-5-RE, SN: 42-7959, VF*W
P-51B-5-NA, SN: 43-7059, VF*B
P-51B-15-NA, SN: 43-24848, VF*B

P-51D-5-NA, SN: 44-13303, VF*B
Some pop-up blockers may prevent this photo from appearing.  

SERVICE:
Joined the RCAF. Flew Hurricanes and Spitfires with the RAF. Transferred to 133 "Eagle" Squadron, RAF. Transferred as 133 Sq. became the 336th FS/4th FG of the 8th USAAF in September 1942. Became C.O. of the 336th FS on March 8, 1944. Detached Service to 15th AF to lead Ops. Training missions April 12, 1944 - May 10, 1944. Hit by flak on his second pass over an enemy airfield, bellied in and was captured and made a POW on June 20, 1944. Post-war received MBA from Harvard University. Eventually became head of two American companys, Goodyear and Hoover, in Europe. Later became vice-president and group executive at IT&T. Retired to Duxbury, MA.

REMARKS:
Flew the first 8th AF "strafing" sortie. Maj. Goodson held the unofficial title "King of the Strafers" until shot down by AA on June 20, 1944.

   
Sources:
Artwork by Rocky Gooch.