James Alexander "Goody" Goodson RCAF / USAAF Lt. Colonel DSC, DFC (UK), Silver Star,

DFC (w/8 OLCs), Air Medal (w/20 OLCs) * Born in New York to an American father & British mother

Raised mostly in Toronto with his mother

Survived the sinking of the Athenia

He was attending the University of Toronto when he

Enlisted in the RCAF in 1941

Trained at:

No. ? ITS

No. ? EFTS

No. 6 SFTS Dunnville, 5 December 1941

Winged & promoted to Sergeant

Sent overseas

With 416 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force

No.43 Squadron RAF (The Fighting Cocks)

No.133 Squadron RAF (Eagle Squadron)

Transferred to the USAAF

Flew Spitfires, P-47s and P-51s with the

336th Fighter Squadron of the 4th Fighter Group

(133 Eagle Sqn. converted to the 336th FS &

Continued using their Spits until replaced with "Jugs")

Sadly, Goody took his last flight on Thursday 1 May 2014, departing from the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth, Ma. after a bout with pneumonia _________________________________________________ 163 Athenia Survivors Are Brought to Quebec Quebec, Sept 22, 1939 (CP) — One hundred and two survivors of the torpedoed liner Athenia, all but three of them Canadians, reached Quebec today and continued to Montreal where they are due to arrive late this evening. Twenty-nine of the group were from Toronto and fifteen from Montreal. Among those listed is ... James Goodson, Sutton West Ontario ... _________________________________________________

Two photos taken by Jim from a Harvard - Clouds over Dunnville & Niagara Falls Two photos taken by Jim from a Harvard - Clouds over Dunnville & Niagara Falls _________________________________________________ Athenia Survivor Now in Air Force, Will Battle Nazis

James Goodson of New York, Survived First Instance

of German Fury to Take Up Quarrel With Foe Dunnville, Dec. 5, 1941 — James Goodson, 20, of New York and Toronto, a survivor of the Athenia torpedoing, is one of the graduates to receive his pilot's "wings" at No. 6 Service Flying Training School, R.C.A.F., here this afternoon. "I have always liked the sea," he told newspaper men, "and started to work my way around the world. I got a job as a steward on the Athenia and crossed from the States to England on her. Then I went to France, but at Paris the United States consul sent me back. I booked a third-class passage on the Athenia for the return trip. I had just gone into the common room when, just about dusk one evening, the torpedo struck the ship. There was an explosion and the lights went out. The third-class quarters were very badly crowded with refugees, old men and women and children, mostly Polish. The refugees sort of went off the deep end and there was a panic. It was terrible, almost beyond description. Trying to launch the lifeboats and get the people into them was an awful job. Some old women were killed trying to get into those boats." Sgt. Goodson told how he stayed on the ship for about two hours helping to get the women and children off. He got away in a lifeboat about 10 o'clock and was picked up at 4 o'clock next morning by the Norwegian tanker Knute Nelson which landed those it rescued at an Irish port. Asked if he was cold in the open boat, he replied, "I nearly froze for I had given my sweater to some girl." He paid high tribute to a party of school girls, who, he said, did more than any one else to cheer up the people in the boats by singing class songs. Left University to Enlist

Shortly after returning to the States he sailed on a U.S. tanker and spent some months in South American waters. Then he went to Toronto and entered Toronto university, taking up an honour English course. He left his studies there to enlist in the R.C.A.F. "For me, I don't think the right thing to do in war-time is to continue at university. For some fellows that is the thing to do, but my place is in the war doing my bit to stamp out Nazism."

Goodson's father was born in Petrograd, Russia, and his mother was a New York girl. Both, he said, were in the British intelligence, service. The father was a United States citizen. The father returned to Russia where he owned property and met his death during the Bolshevist trouble about 20 years ago. He left for Russia before the son was born.

Sgt. Goodson Sgt. Goodson _________________________________________________ Athenia Survivor Says His Place Is in War

TELLS OF SINKING Dunnville, Dec. 5, 1941 (Special) — A survivor of the torpedoing of the Athenia, James Goodson of Toronto and New York City, received his pilot's "wings" at No. 6 Service Flying Training School here this afternoon, and before long will take his place in the air against the enemy.

Goodson, who is 20 years of age, is the son of a United States citizen who lost his life in Russia during the Bolshevist uprising about twenty years ago. The father was born in Petrograd and spent some years in the British Intelligence Service. He was living in New York, but returned to Russia to see about some property he owned there, and in some manner, the details of which have never become known by the family, lost his life. He never saw his son, who was born after the father left for Russia. His mother, a New York girl, Goodson said, also did some work for the British Intelligence.

Asked by newsmen to tell of his experiences on the Athenia, he told the following story: "I started out to work my way around the world. I got a berth as a steward on the Athenia and crossed to Europe on her.

"At Paris the United States Consul ordered me back to the States and I managed to book a third class passage for the return trip on the same ship. The third class accommodation was terribly crowded with refugees, mostly Polish, old men and women and little children. When Torpedo Hit

"The evening she was torpedoed I had just gone into the common room about dusk when the torpedo hit without warning. The lights went out and there was an explosion which killed many people. The place was very badly crowded and the refugees, worse than ever on account of the darkness, kind of went off the deep end. It was a real rat race there.

Getting the lifeboats off was a terrible job. I did what I could to help the crew but it was quite a mess. I didn't leave the ship until about two hours after she was hit and was in a lifeboat from about 10 o'clock till 4 the next morning. The submarine shelled the ship after firing the torpedo. A Norwegian tanker, the Knute Nelson, picked us up and landed us in Ireland, where I had a swell time. It was pretty cold in the boat as I gave my sweater to some girl.

"There were some United States and Canadian schoolgirls who did more than anybody else to cheer up the people in the lifeboats by singing class songs and so forth. They were simply grand. Sailed Again

"I always liked the sea and after I went back to the States I sailed on a United States tanker, spending several months in South American waters. Then I went to Toronto and started an honor English course at University of Toronto. I was in the C.O.T.C. there, but enlisted in the R.C.A.F. before getting a commission."

Asked if the sinking of the Athenia had anything to do with his enlisting, he replied: "No I can't say that it had. That was war. For me I don't think the right thing to do in wartime is continue at university. My place is in the war against Hitler. Some fellows could best serve their country by completing their university course, but not me. My place is in the war." _________________________________________________ DUNNVILLE CLASS LARGEST IN PLAN TO SERVE EMPIRE

Graduate Airmen Prepared to Strike Blow at Nazi Leaders

ACCEPT STERN JOB Dunnville, Dec. 6, 1941 — What is believed to be the largest graduating class yet turned out under the Commonwealth air training plan received pilots' wings at No. 6 Service Flying Training school, R.C.A.F., here yesterday, afternoon.

Wing Commander V. H. Patriarche, officer commanding, officiated.

"While the official rulings prohibits my mentioning figures," he said, 'I think I might say this, our unit has now turned out more pilots than have been used in any of the biggest air raids in this war.

The graduates from this school are now giving our friend, Mr. Hitler, and his chum, the plump Mr. Goering, a moderate headache. I hope this headache will increase as time goes on."

He said the graduates included men from Canada, New Zealand, the United States and one from the R.A.F. To Beat Hitler

"They have all come in for one thing —to beat Hitler. They have done exceptionally well in a tough course, and deserve great credit," the OC said.

Speaking to the graduates, Wing Commander Patriarche said: "There are a great many jobs to be done. The purpose of the air force is to see that we win this war. You have learned to steer an aircraft and will now go on to special courses. You will not stay as pilots, or bombers, or on reconnaissance all your life, but from one job to another. All these have to be done. Winning the war is not only a great adventure, but a serious problem. If you don't do your best to win, you are giving the enemy an advantage. On how you do your job depends on how quickly we can bring this war to a successful conclusion.

"Like your relatives and friends who are here today, we at this station feel very proud of you. We know on the job you have undertaken you are going to go out and be a credit to the service and yourself."

After the graduation it was learned that of this class, which was all graduated as L.A.C.s that 24 are to receive commissions tomorrow and the remainder sergeant's stripes. Athenia Survivor

A survivor of the torpedoing of the Athenia, James Goodson, of Toronto and New York City, received his pilot's "wings" and before long will take his place in the air against the enemy.

Goodson, who is 20 years of age, is the son of a United States citizen who lost his life in Russia during the bolshevist uprising about 20 years ago. The father was born in Petrograd and spent some years in the British intelligence service. He was living in New York, but returned to Russia to see about some property he owned there and in some manner, the details of which have never become known by the family, lost his life. He never saw his son, who was, born after the father left for Russia. His mother, a New York girl, Goodson said, also did some work for the British intelligence.

Asked if the sinking of the Athenia had anything to do with his enlisting, he replied: "No, I can't say that it had. That was war. For me I don't think the right thing to do in war-time is continue at university. My place is in the war against Hitler. Some fellows could best serve their country by completing their university course, but not me. My place is in the war." _________________________________________________ 416 SQUADRON PHOTO ALBUM

With 416 Squadron members, June 1942 416 Squadron dispersal. Jim's getting his mail over there on the right



With Jackie With Jackie Rae (left) & kicking back on the wing of a Spit. Note Lynx on fuselage



Close up of the 416 Squadron Lynx emblem Close up of the 416 Squadron Lynx emblem

Jim still with 416 Squadron Feb. 1943 Jim waiting for the signal to start up his Spit _________________________________________________

Goody (& what looks like 2 other former Eagles) receives the DFC Goody (& what looks like 2 other former Eagles) receives the DFC HQ EIGHTH AIR FORCE Office of the Commanding General

3 August 1943

GENERAL ORDER NUMBER 118

AWARDS OF DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS I. Under the provisions of Army Regulations 6OO-45, 8 August 1943, as amended, and pursuant to authority contained in Section I Circular 36, Hq., ETOUSA, 5 April 1943, the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS is awarded to the following named Officers and Enlisted Men, for extraordinary achievement, as set forth in citation in each instance. These individuals have previously earned the Air Medal and three Oak Leaf Clusters for wear therewith. JAMES A. GOODSON, 0 885 24l, 1st Lieutenant, Army Air Forces, United States Army. For extraordinary achievement. Lieutenant Goodson has accomplished forty fighter combat missions over enemy occupied Continental Europe, and has destroyed one enemy airplane in aerial combat. The skillful and zealous Banner in which Lieutenant Goodson has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Home address: 23 Sultan Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

By command of Major General EAKER: C. C. CHAUNCEY, Brigadier General, U.S.A., Chief of Staff, OFFICIAL: H. G. Culton Colonel, A.G.D., Adjutant General. _________________________________________________ 1944 _________________________________________________ Toronto Officer Says U.S. Ace 'Doesn't Know How He Does It’ A United States Fighter Base, England, April 10, 1944 (AP) — Capt. Don S. Gentile, the leading United States Air Force ace in the European war theatre, makes the job of mowing down Nazi planes sound as easy as picking birds off a fence.

Asserting in an interview that he believed the Germans — apparently short of experienced fighter pilots — are sending up novices with one veteran to lead them through combat, the 23-year-old airman added:

"The Germans always seem to fly in twos or fours, strung out in a line, and they keep right behind the leader no matter what happens — as if they are afraid to branch off."

Gentile, who has destroyed 20 planes in the air, with claims of three more pending, in addition to seven destroyed on the ground, willingly acknowledges his debt to his wing man, Lt. Johnny Godfrey, 21, who has 16 kills himself.

Godfrey flies behind him, either to the right or left. Gentile keeps tabs on him by asking every few seconds over the radio phone: "Are you still with me, Johnny? Are you still with me, Johnny?" Any German flier who understands English can hear them calmly plotting his doom.

"You break to the starboard," Gentile will call out, "and I'll hesitate and if he follows you around I'll follow him and we'll have him right between us”

While Gentile was musing about his Technique, his squadron commander, Major James Goodson of Sultan St., Toronto, a fellow graduate of the R.A.F., said: "Don doesn't know how he does it. He was just born with the knack — and he does it." _________________________________________________ British, Canadian Aircraft Hurl 4,000 Tons of Bombs In War's Greatest Assault

2,000 American Planes Follow Op With Tremendous Attacks on Nazi Factories London, April 11, 1944 —(AP)—The heaviest attack in the R.A.F. bomber command's history —a 4,000-ton blasting of Belgian and French railroad centers by R.A.F. and R.C.A.F. planes Monday night —was reported by the Air Ministry today as nearly 2,000 American bombers and fighters carried the onslaught against German air defenses through its fourth day. The American task force of nearly 1,000 bombers and an equal number of fighters attacked aircraft factories at Oschersleben and Bernburg and other targets deep in Germany. It returned to England as the R.A.F. was disclosing details of last night's heavy attacks. Use 900 Bombers

The bulk of the R.A.F. offensive was borne by 900 heavy bombers attacking five French and Belgian railroad centers. Other Lancasters meanwhile dropped many 8,000-pound bombs on a "very important" depot declared to contain large stores of signal and radar equipment for use of the German air force. This depot was at St. Cyr, near Paris.

The R.A.F. and R.C.A.F. had poured down more than 3,360 tons of bombs on several previous night operations, and on March 22 smothered Frankfurt with well over that figure —but never, the Air Ministry said, had the load been so heavy as last night's.

R.A.F. Mosquitoes raided Hanover and other targets in the Ruhr and other planes laid mines. The night raids cost 22 bombers, but all the Canadian planes returned. Terrific Air Battles

The German radio told of terrific air battles over the Reich today.

In the latest 60 hours of this attack more than 7,000 tons of bombs are estimated to have been dropped on at least 23 German railroad centers, aircraft factories and airfields.

Berlin radio said the Americans dropped bombs on central Germany and asserted the raiders suffered heavy casualties in widespread operations over central and eastern Germany. Formations leaving Reich territory were being harassed by German fighters, the broadcast said.

The smashing night attacks on occupied territory centered on railway yards and depots at Ghent, Belgium, and at Tergnier, Aulnoye and Laon in northern France. Canadian Halifax squadrons shared in the raid on Ghent while Canadian Lancasters were in the force which struck at Laon. Pre-Invasion Assault

An R.C.A.F. communiqué said "many" aircraft of the Canadian bomber group took part in the double-barreled attack.

In addition Canadians in an R.A.F. Halifax squadron joined in the blow against Tergnier.

The attacks maintained the pre-invasion assault on vital Nazi military objectives which has been carried out without interruption for the last three days. Hit Strongest Defenses

The blows delivered during darkness at cogs in the German war machine followed daylight smashes by 1,000 to 1,500 American bombers and fighters against aircraft and railway installations along the French-Belgian coast and in the French interior.

The heavy raids Monday and last night fell within the belt where the Germans have set up the strongest defenses to meet the forthcoming Allied invasion.

R.C.A.F. Spitfire fighter-bombers took part in yesterday's attacks against military targets in northern France. Canadian Spitfires escorted American medium bombers which hit military objectives in northern France and railway yards in Charleroi.

Major James Goodson, of Toronto, a fighter pilot in the United States Army Air Force, claimed to have destroyed five German planes on the ground and shared in the destruction of another after a sweep over northern France yesterday.

American losses in Monday's daylight operations were five bombers and four fighters. At least 12 Nazi fighters were destroyed in air combats and many more were reported shot up on the ground. Last night's large-scale operation was the second successive R.A.F.-R.C.A.F. night attack on objectives in occupied territory. _________________________________________________ TORONTO FLIER RANKS HIGH AT STRAFING Washington, April 30, 1944 - (AP) - Fighter pilots of the United States 8th and 9th Air Forces, who fly at 450 miles an hour 10 feet above German air fields, have destroyed "hundreds of enemy planes on the ground," the War Department said today.

The concentrated strafing attacks against German airfields by American fighters based in England were started two months ago as part of the campaign to destroy the German air force by bombing plane producing factories, shooting down enemy fighters that rise to their defense and wrecking those that remain on the ground.

"Strafing airfields deep inside Germany is among the most dangerous work of A.A.F. fighter pilots," the department commented.

One of the leading strafers of the European theatre, the department said, is Major James A. Goodson, 23-year-old Mustang squadron commander, of 23 Sultan St., Toronto. Of 26 planes destroyed by him, 15 were on the ground. _________________________________________________ AMERICAN ACE RECEIVED WINGS AT DUNNVILLE

Major James A. Goodson, With 26 Planes to Credit, Leading "Strafer"

Major Goodson Major Goodson Dunnville, Ont., May 3, 1944 — Officially credited with the destruction of 26 enemy aircraft, a graduate of No. 6 Service Flying Training School, R.C.A.F., Dunnville, now a member of the United States Army Air Force, has been named by the United States War Department as being one of the leading "strafers" of the European theatre. He is Major James A. Goodson, 23, of Toronto, who was awarded his "wings" here on December 5, 1941, as a member of the R.C.A.F.

Major Goodson, in no uncertain way, is settling a personal score against the enemy. He was a passenger on the Athenia when it was torpedoed and sunk at the outbreak of war and although he survived that instance of German fury against Britain, he saw many victims—mostly old men, women and children escaping from the Hun in Poland—killed or drowned. After remaining on the sinking ship for two hours to assist in removal of women and children, he spent six hours in a lifeboat before being picked up by a rescue ship. "As long as I live, I will never forget those scenes of horror," he told a Spectator reporter while in training at Dunnville. Enlisted in R.C.A.F.

Following his rescue from the Athenia sinking, he sailed for a time on a U.S. tanker. Then he entered the University of Toronto, taking up an honour English course. He left his studies there to enlist in the R.C.A.F. After being "winged" at Dunnville, he went overseas with the rank of Sgt. pilot and was attached to the R.A.F., flying gliders. Anxious to get more direct action, he took advantage of his United States citizenship and transferred to the United States Army Air Force as a fighter pilot. Promotion came quickly and he is now a Mustang squadron commander, with 26 Planes to his credit. An official United States War Department press release states that of the 26 Planes he has destroyed, 15 were on the ground. "Strafing airfields deep inside Germany is among the most dangerous work of A.A.F. fighter pilots," it adds. In this work the planes are reported to travel at speeds up to 450 miles an hour often within 10 feet of the ground when strafing an airfield. Enviable Record

Another graduate of the Dunnville station who received his "wings" at about the same time as Major Goodson, who has established an enviable air record, is Acting Wing-Cmdr Herbert Swetman, D.S.O., D.F.C., now a bomber pilot in the R.C.A.F. He has completed two tours of operations and, according to official citation, has attacked most of the enemy's most heavily protected targets "with the greatest determination," including six raids on Berlin. _________________________________________________ Major Goodson Equals Capt. Gentile's Record LONDON. May 27. 1944 (AP)— Maj. James A. Goodson, commander of a P-51 Mustang squadron, has destroyed 15 planes in the air and 15 on the ground — equaling the mark of 30 for this theater set by Capt. Don Gentile of Piqua, Ohio.

Goodson's record was disclosed Saturday when he was among five American airmen decorated by Lt. Gen. Carl A. Spaatz, commander of U.S. Strategic Air Force, at Air Force Headquarters.

Goodson, who hails from New York City but who now gives Toronto, Canada, as his address, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action from March 16 to March 23 against enemy fighters which outnumbered him. _________________________________________________ BAGS 3 PLANES ON GROUND;

Lieut. Ralph Hofer Ties With Canadian Ace at 15 A FIGHTER BASE IN ENGLAND, May 31, 1944 (AP) - Lieut. Ralph Hofer, Mustang pilot of Salem. Mo., destroyed three German training planes on the ground today, tying Maj. James Goodson of Toronto, Canada, for the leading ground score of fighter pilots in the European theatre of operations, with fifteen planes destroyed. _________________________________________________ ACE TORONTONIAN LISTED MISSING Washington, July 13, 1944 -(AP)- Major James A. Goodson, 23-year-old commander of a U.S.A.A.F. Mustang squadron, who was unofficially credited with the destruction of 30 German planes, is missing in action in the European theatre, the War Department reported yesterday.

Goodson, whose home is in Toronto, failed to return from a mission over Germany June 20.

Regarded as one of the best strafers in the European theatre, Goodson achieved 15 of his kills in the destruction of enemy planes on the ground. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on May 27.

Goodson was a survivor of the sinking of the Athenia in 1939. He had served in the United States merchant marine and the R.C.A.F. prior to transferring to the U.S.A.A.F.

His score of 30 destroyed enemy aircraft placed him near the top of the roster of Allied aces in this war. Leading scorer now is Wing Cmdr. J. E. (Johnny) Johnson, British-born leader of a Canadian fighter wing based in Normandy, who has 35 kills to his credit, all scored in the air.

Goodson was educated at the University of Toronto Schools, and left University College, U. of T., to enter the R.C.A.F. in 1941. _________________________________________________ Fighter Pilot Is Reported Missing A U.S. FIGHTER BASE IN ENGLAND, July 14, 1944 (AP) — Maj. James Goodson, high-ranking U.S. fighter pilot, was shot down by flak while escorting bombers on June 20, fellow pilots said today. The fact Goodson was missing was announced in Washington Wednesday night.

Goodson, a Toronto Flier who formerly lived in New York, won the Distinguished Service Cross recently for single-handedly attacking 30 German planes and breaking up their assault on a bomber formation. He also wore the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with several clusters and a British decoration, won while flying with the Canadians in the battle of Britain. (italicized part untrue -jf).

His victory record was 15 planes destroyed aground and 15 aloft. He was squadron commander in a "hot" Mustang group commanded by Col. Don Blakeslee of Fairport Harbor, Ohio. He had participated in many major air battles alongside Capt. Don Gentile, of Piqua, Ohio, once top scorer in the European theater. _________________________________________________ Ranking U.S. Ace Prisoner of War

Major Goodson Has Score of 30 Nazi Planes TORONTO, July 22, 1944 — Major James Goodson, 23, one of the ranking aces of the United States Army Air Forces, with 30 German planes to his credit, is a prisoner of war, it was stated in a telegram received here last night from Washington by his mother. Mrs. Gertrude Goodson. He had been reported missing in the European theatre 10 days ago.

"This wonderful news has put an end to the suspense of not knowing definitely whether he was alive or dead," said Mrs. Goodson of 23 Sultan St. Toronto. "The information came through the International Red Cross"

Major Goodson, who survived the torpedoing of the Athena, was commander of an R.A.F. Eagle Squadron in the days before the United States entered the war.

He was born in New York City, but lived the greater part of his life in Toronto, where he attended school and was in his second year at the University of Toronto when he enlisted in the R.C.A.F. He received his wings at Dunnville. Ont. in December 1941, and went overseas shortly afterwards. _________________________________________________ 20 June 1945. SUBJECT COMMENDATION

to: The Adjutant General, War Department, Washington, DC. 1. It is desired to commend Major James A. Goodson, A.C. 0-885241 for outstanding work while a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft III, Sagan, Germany. 2. Major Goodson devoted himself to the interests and welfare of PsOW, contributing in a large measure to successful preservation of healthy minds and bodies of those in confinement. 3. Unusual handicaps had to be met and overcome. Living conditions were difficult, unhealthy and crowded. In spite of all these things, major Goodson laboured unceasingly to maintain the morale, discipline and comfort of his fellow prisoners. 4. Working with ultimate objective of salvaging all POW personnel in good condition and returning them to the service of their country, the staff of the camp, which included Major Goodson, was certainly successful as indicated by the fact that only one man was lost out of a compound of 2000 officers and men. 5. It is requested that a copy of this letter be forwarded to the officer and included in his 201 file. (signed) Delmar T. SPIVEY

Colonel, Air Corps. Note - Major Goodson was Camp Adjutant in the Centre compound for USAAF PsOW at Sagan in Silesia, South of Berlin. This Commendation was put in by Colonel Delmar Spivey, who was the Senior Officer for all American Compounds for PsOW. Goodson's 2000 men were separated from Col. Spivey at Spremburg when the forced march began, and Jim had to take them under guard to Moosburg, Bavaria. _________________________________________________ Victories Include: 22 June 1943

16 Aug 1943



3 Sep 1943

7 Jan 1944

16 Mar 1944

18 Mar 1944

21 Mar 1944

23 Mar 1944

29 Mar 1944

5 Apr 1944





10 Apr 1944



23 Apr 1944

12 May 1944

25 May 1944 one FW190

two FW190s

one FW190

one FW190

two FW190s

two Me110s

two He111s

one Me410

two Me109s

two u/i e/a

2.5 Ju88s

one Ju52

one FW190

4.5 u/i e/a

one Hs126

one Me109

one Me109

one FW190 destroyed

destroyed &

damaged

probable

destroyed

destroyed

destroyed OTG

destroyed OTG

destroyed

destroyed [a]

destroyed OTG,

destroyed OTG &

destroyed OTG

destroyed OTG &

destroyed OTG

destroyed [b]

destroyed

destroyed 336 FS

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

307 FS

336 FS

" 15 - 13 / 1 / 1

plus

13 / ? / ? On The Ground [a] European Victory Credits by Frank Olynyk says one Ju88

[b] AFHRA says two destroyed on that date (with 307 Sqn.) His score is said to be 15 Air & 15 Ground but I dont have those details _________________________________________________ * Awards & Decorations (complete) Row One

Distinguished Service Cross (USAAF)

Silver Star Medal Row Two

Distinguished Flying Cross (USAAF) [a] with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters

Air Medal with 20 Oak Leaf Clusters Row Three

The Purple Heart

Presidential Unit Citation

American Defense Service Medal Row 4

American Campaign Medal

European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal with 3 bronze stars

World War II Victory Medal Row 5

Army of Occupation Medal Germany Bar [b]

Prisoners of War Medal

Air Force Longevity Services Ribbon Row 6

British Distinguished Flying Cross (RAF)

British 1939/45 Star

British Air Crew Europe Star Row 7

British War Medal 1939/45

Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (maple leaf emblem indicates 60 days service overseas)

Belgian Order of Leopold with Silver palm Leaf Row 8

Belgian Croix de Guerre 1939/45 with Palm

French Legion d’Honneur Chevalier (Knight)

French Croix de Guerre with palm leaf [a] “For extraordinary achievement and heroism.

Lieutenant Goodson has accomplished one hundred eight fighter combat missions, or the equivalent thereof, over enemy occupied Continental Europe, and has destroyed twenty-two enemy airplanes in aerial combat the skilful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Goodson has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serves as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States” [b] World War II (WW II) Army of Occupation Service Medal

Criteria: Awarded for 30 days consecutive service while assigned to Germany (excluding Berlin) between 9 May 1945 and 5 May 1955. _________________________________________________ Back to --- American Aces --- --- Canadian Aces --- Related Sites : _________________________________________________ Thanks go out to Daughter Melanie for the corrections, additions & pix ! On these pages I use Hugh Halliday's extensive research which includes info from numerous sources; newspaper articles via the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (CMCC); the Google News Archives; the London Gazette Archives and other sources both published and private. Some content on this site is probably the property of acesofww2.com unless otherwise noted.