Promotions, Medals, Honors
John Goodin was a decorated war hero receiving numerous medals for valor, heroic achievement and wounds received during World War II. (See news clipping in letter dated July 21, 1945.) A monument was dedicated in his honor in Nashville, Tennessee on August 7, 2006.
Letter of Temporary Appointment Armored Force School Fort Knox, Kentucky June 13, 1942.
Certificate of Promotion to Corporal April 1, 1942
Letter of Award of Bronze Star for heroic achievement in action against the enemy February 26, 1945 in Germany awarded June 8, 1945. (Page One)
Letter of Award of Bronze Star for heroic achievement in action against the enemy February 26, 1945 (Page Two)
Having been previously awarded the Purple Heart, the Award of Oak Leaf Cluster for wounds received in action somewhere in Germany March 2, 1945 awarded March 22, 1945.
Letter of Battle Honor awarding the Unit Badge or Oak Leaf Cluster for outstanding duty against the enemy in Belgium and Germany - April 30, 1945.
Certificate of Honorable Service (Front) November 27, 1945
Certificate of Honorable Service and Report of Separation (Back) - European Theater - Normandy - Northern France - Central Europe - Rhineland - Ardennes
Distinguished Unit Citation, Bronze Star Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart Award with Oak Leaf Cluster
November 10, 1945
Letter of Thanks from President Harry Truman
Medal Jubilant - The commemorative medal of the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the battle of Normandy, in recognition of the part that he took in the liberation of the region, of France and of Europe.
Samples of medals received by John D. Goodin.
More information about military medals may be found on the 2nd floor of Sherrod Library: American War Medals and Their History CJ5805.K4.
The reverse side of the purple heart inscription reads: For Military Merit, followed by the soldier's name.
The Purple Heart was given for those wounded or killed in battle. The medal is edged in Bronze.
The Oak Leaf Cluster is awarded to a member of the U. S. Army or Airforce who has been wounded but has already received the Purple Heart.
Every member of the military service that served in the European African Middle Eastern Theater of operations between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946, earned the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
The Distinguised Unit Medal is awarded to units of the uniformed services of the United States and allied countries for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after December 7, 1941 - the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Bronze Star is one of the greatest distinctions an armed service member can receive and is reserved for only the finest men and women in uniform. The Bronze Star Medal is a signal of their sacrifice, bravery and honor while serving their country. The Bronze Star was authorized in 1944 by President Roosevelt. The concept of the medal came from General George Marshall with the intent of awarding it to those who fought on the ground, particularly the infantry. He wrote that the infantry “lead miserable lives of extreme discomfort and are the ones who must close in personal combat with the enemy.”
The American Defense Service medal is awarded to military service members who served on active duty between September 8, 1939 and December 7. 1941. A similar medal, known as the American Campaign Medal, was established in 1942, for service in the American Theater during the World War II era.
The Grecian figure Colombia (Or Lady Liberty Goddess Nike) represents America or Liberty. She is brandishing a sword in her right hand and a shield behind her back while standing on an oak branch symbolic of strength. The oak leaf represents the strength of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard.
American Defense Service Medal