Memorabilia
The John Goodin Papers offers an unusual glimpse into another era inside military operations through memorabilia collected throughout his stint in the United States Army during World War II.
The shoulder patch insignia of the 3rd Armored Division has a distinct heraldic meaning and a proud history in its mixture of form, color and symbols. The basic pattern is that of three interlaced torques, no one of which would be sufficient without the other two. Combined to form a triangle, the device indicates integrity and esprit de corps.
The predominating colors are: yellow for Cavalry, red for Artillery, and blue for Infantry. The super-imposed black symbols have a more modern meaning: the tank track for mobility and armor protection, the cannon for fire power, and the bolt of lightning to designate shock action.
The arabic numeral "3" is a division designation. The SPEARHEAD flash was authorized by Major General Maurice Rose after his 3rd Armored Division had brilliantly led many of the First Army’s drives in France, Belgium and Germany, during 1944 and 1945. (3AD.org)
John Goodin mentioned numerous times in his letters to his parents that he had attended church and played the organ. He tells them over and over that "the Good Lord continues to watch over me and take care of me so I can't complain." The Goodin Papers has programs, bulletins and floor plans of some of the churches visited by Goodin.
