World War II Honoree

Tommy Ray Gooch

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Aurora, Colorado

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private. He was inducted into the United States Marine Corps January 12, 1943 at Denver, Colorado. Following his Basic Military at the Marine Corps Base in San Diego, California and infantry training at Camp Pendleton Oceanside, California. And along with any additional training; he was deployed to the Central Pacific Theater of Operations. He served in Company India as a Rifleman, assigned to Third Battalion, Second Marines and an element of the Second Marine Division. His division participated in the amphibious assault, and occupation of Betio Island Location: Tarawa Atoll Gilbert Islands. Saturday, November 20, 1943 he was wounded, during a combat engagement against the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces. Succeeding the Battle and occupation of the Island, he was transported back to his Country and Family. This American Patriot received the following Decorations: Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. He served his Country with Pride and Honor.