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William David Gouger, Jr.

 

 

 

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 Specialist 4 William David Gouger, Jr. was born on May 3, 1949 to Mr. and Mrs William D. Gouger, Sr. of Ypsilanti, Michigan. William is a 1967 graduate of Lincoln High School. He attended Eastern Michigan University before entering the Army.

Specigouger copyalist 4 Gouger began his tour of duty in Long An Province, South Vietnam on October 26, 1968 serving as an infantryman with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. William was killed on February 11, 1969 from enemy small arms fire. According to a posting by Joseph Bogucki, "I served in Nam with Bill Gouger with Recon 2nd/60th Inf. 9th Inf Div. We called him 'Big G'. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Bill was our platoon's unofficial armorer. 'G' was a big man, but as kind and gentle as any you would ever meet. Rest in Peace, Big G."

 

William David Gouger, Jr. is survived by his parents and a brother. He lived 19 years, 9 months and 8 days. He is resting in Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock, Michigan. William's name is listed on the Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti Township under Milan. His name also appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 32W Line 012.

Silver Star  Citation

William David Gouger , Jr. Date of birth: May 3, 1949 Date of death: February 11, 1969 Place of Birth: Tennessee, Chattanooga Home of record: Trenton Michigan Status: KIA AWARDS AND CITATIONS Silver Star Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War SYNOPSIS: Specialist Fourth Class William David Gouger, Jr. (ASN: 67156074), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Recon Platoon, Company E, 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. Action Date: Vietnam War Service: Army Rank: Specialist Fourth Class Company: Company E Battalion: 2d Battalion Regiment: 60th Infantry Regiment Division: 9th Infantry Division

 

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William Gouger - Senior Year At Lincoln HS - 1967
Picture credit Shirley Hitte - AVVA

 

The Wall rubbings by John Kinzinger

 
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Mark  Brockway
Platoon Sergeant
187, Williams Road, Fort Edward, NY., 12828, USA
RECON., FOREVER
Although you, are no longer here to walk and talk among us, you, are not forgotten. It is men like you that make the world a better place. Your bravery and your courage is worthy of being emulated by your peers, subordinates and superiors. I remember we sometimes called you 'Little John' (from Robin Hood) as in walk softly and carry a big stick. I was there the night, you succumbed from the small arms wound.  You will always be our brother, our friend and our hero. RECON., FOREVER!
May 29, 2009

Elmer Dillow
Platoon mate
David Gouger was, a gung-ho, soldier. So much so, that we nicknamed him, Audie, after Audie Murphy. I was the medic who treated Audie the night he was killed. He sustained a small caliber gunshot wound that entered his left armpit and he expired instantly. That wound, was really difficult to find due to its location.
Saturday, November 06, 2004</td
 

The above two comments from www.thewall-usa.com

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