31 Oct 2001 William Elliott Gooden was born November 2, 1948, in Danville, Illinois. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines in November 1967 on a three-month-delay program. On February 15, 1968, he began Recruit training at San Diego, CA, then Camp Pendleton, CA. He arrived in Vietnam on July 30, 1968, where he served as a rifleman with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. He was first assigned to the Headquarters Company (Security and Sniper Platoons) and then to Echo Company where he was a Squad Leader (ALPHA Squad). During his 15 months in the Corps he was advanced to Corporal. He was killed in action on June 12, 1969, approximately 9 miles northwest of Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province. A memorial from his parents, Mary Helen and Willard Gooden E-mail address is not available.

 

13 Mar 2006 Bill is my cousin, he was from the country and I from the big city. We were born less than 5 months apart. We played with real guns when we were very young out in the fields of Illinois. He grew into a man very fast and it took me 10 more years to catch up, on second thought I will never catch up. At the time of his death I was a peace activist, so I did not really know what he faced in his shortened life. As I have been so lucky to grow older, I think about him all the time. I wish that I could say thanks to him for what he gave up to defend our country and our way of life. I wish that we will roam the fields again some day. From a cousin, Tony Rinella tonyrinella@ameritech.net

 

08 Jan 2007 It is with respect I pass this way and pay tribute to a Marine who knew some one that I once knew and was there when my friend died. I regret both their passings and those with whom they served who are listed among the pantheon. Stewart Resmer pitbullstew@hotmail.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 12 June 1969 the 2nd Bn, 3rd Marines were involved in Operation VIRGINIA RIDGE, a sweep along the DMZ in northern Quang Tri Province. The 3rd Marine Division's VIRGINIA RIDGE Situation Report Number 169 covering the period noon to 6 pm 12 Jun 69 contains the following entry: "From 121155H to 1700H E/2/3 in sporadic contact with unknown enemy force vic YD051686 and YD058686. During contact unit received incoming mortar rounds. Unit deployed and attacked enemy position killing 8 and capturing 1 RPG launcher and 1 82mm [mortar] tube. During contact unit utilized artillery fire missions. Results: Friendly 2 KIA 4 WIA (medevac); enemy 8 NVA KIA and 2 CSWC." The two men from Echo 2/3 who were killed in the action described above were Cpl William E. Gooden and Pfc Alfredo Ochoa of El Paso, Texas.

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