Some
of the tragedy of the circumstance of Goetz' death come to us from a
notation contained on the final physical report of Cpl. Maurice P.
Laughlin.
"Cpl.
Maurice P. Laughlin Jr was awarded the Soldiers Metal for his contribution
of two and one half pints of blood in an attempt to save the life of Sgt
Edward D. Goetz, a constant companion of Cpl Laughlin. The transfusions
aided Sgt Goetz to rally for a short time but, the wounds of Goetz were too
numerous to save his life. The death of Sgt Goetz had a serious affect on
the health of Cpl Laughlin. Loss of appetite and severe grief causing
Laughlin to lose weight, which he has not recovered. We are are sending him
back to the United States and later on to you (his wife) in hopes
that you will be able to erase the grief which is embedded in his torn
heart, caused by the sight of seeing his comrades killed in battle. At the
present time his nerves are not shattered but they are on the verge of
failing. During his stay with you, do not trouble him with unnecessary
worries that are found in civilian life, such as sickness that you or
others may have under gone that you or others may have under gone, financial
difficulties etc.
A
great change has come over Cpl Laughlin since the deaths of Sgt Edward D.
Goetz and Pfc. Ralph N. Hunter, all killed in action in the parachute
invasion of Noemfoor.
Transferring of the Soldiers Medal:
Cpl Maurice P. Laughlin has received the permission to have the Soldiers
Medal which was awarded to him when he disregarded his own health in an
attempt to save the life of Sgt E. D. Goetz, who died of wounds incurred in
action in Noemfoor Island, in the month of July 1944. The said medal was
transferred in name to Sgt. Goetz and then forwarded to the parents of the
Sgt."
Maj. D. A. Gall
Sgt. Goetz was from
3248 N. 21st, Terre Haute, Indiana.
Information via Michael P. Laughlin
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