Honoring Marine Corps Legacy Veteran of the Year Jim Goodrich
Since 1775, the Marine Corps has been winning battles and defending our nation through leadership and core values. Dependability to perform our duty. Bearing to create a favorable impression at all times. Courage which recognizes the fear of danger but enables a man to proceed in the face of it with calmness and firmness. Decisiveness to make decisions promptly, Endurance to exhibit the mental and physical stamina measured by the ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress and hardship. Enthusiasm displaying sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of duty. Initiative to take action in the absence of orders, Integrity through the soundness of moral principles including truthfulness and honesty, Judgment to weigh facts and possible solutions on which to base sound decisions. Justice giving reward and punishment according to merits of the case in questions. Knowledge through information, education and understanding. Tact to deal with other without creating offense. Unselfishness through avoidance of one’s own comfort and personal advancement at the expense of others and above all Loyalty of faithfulness to country, the Corps, the unit to one’s seniors, subordinates and peers.

The Legacy Veteran of the Year for the U.S. Marine Corps is a man who exhibits all of the traits and is an excellent nominee for this award. Jim Goodrich joined the marines
at the age of 16 making him the youngest in his troop. He was assigned to E Company, Second Battalion, 27 th Marines, specializing in machine gun operation. He was determined to serve his country never giving up, leaving the prairies of Oklahoma for the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa and finally, Iwo Jima. By the time he landed on Iwo Jima, he was an 18 yr old corporal in charge of 12 Marine gunners of which none survived the battle.

Mr. Goodrich is one of few living Americans who can describe the flag raising on Iwo Jima. Something we have seen pictures and statues of but that he has seen firsthand. When asked how it felt to see the flag raised, Jim will tell you, “Joy and relief that we had the high ground.”

"I would do it all again, even knowing what happened to me. As a Marine, you stepped forward when America needed you. You took an oath to defend the nation, and you kept that oath, overseas and under fire. You triumphed over brutal enemies, liberated continents, and answered the prayers of millions across this nation."

All of us who have grown up in freedom must never forget your service and your sacrifice.