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Goodsell, Vincent F.

Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
Company G, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army (Company G, 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull", U.S. Army)
Vincent F. Goodsell, 0-397136, Captain, 135th Infantry, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. On 28 April 1943, Captain Goodsell led his company in an attack against Hill 490 in Tunisia. Observing a hostile group armed with machine guns moving into a position from which his battalion would be enfiladed, he personally led three of his men forward to intercept the enemy. The group was seen and brought under intense machine gun fire, but in spite of this and with complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Goodsell drove home his attack, killing or capturing the entire enemy group and their three machine guns. By these actions, he removed a serious threat to the success of the attack of his battalion; his aggressive leadership, determination and courage were an inspiring example to his men.

Headquarters, U.S. Army-North African Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 64 (1943).
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Sources

  • - Ankrum, H.R., Dogfaces Who Smiled Through Tears – The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division and attached 100th (Hawaiian) Battalion and 442nd “Go for Broke” Regimental Combat Team in World War II 1941-1945, Graphic Publishing Company, Lake Mills, Iowa, USA, 1987
    - 34th Infantry Division Association
    - Homeofheroes.com

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