PFC Mickey E. Goodman

Our Hometown Heroes

Mickey E. Goodman

Grocery Clerk at Rita’s Grocery Store

Mickey E. Goodman grew up in a large family; mother, father, five brothers and three sisters. Born in 1923, the seven-year-old Goodman’s name was listed as “Doctor” Mickey E. Goodman in the 1930 census. The family lived on Atlanta Street in Barnesville at the time.

His father James, apparently died sometime between the 1930 and 1940 census. His mother, Daisy, was listed as the “Head of Household” in the 1940 census. She and her nine children, aged 26-4 years of age, lived at 218 N 9th St., Griffin. Mickey was 17 years old at the time of the census and was a grocery clerk at Rita’s Grocery Store. It shows he had an eighth- grade education.

Enlisting in the US Army on November 6, 1942, the 19-year-old was by then a bookkeeper living in Maryland. He was also single.

As a member of the 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Division, PFC Goodman saw fierce front line action. He is listed as Killed in Action on January 17, 1945, sadly dying toward the end of World War II. His body is buried in the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium.

For his heroism, PFC Goodman was awarded the Purple Heart and the Oak Leaf Cluster Service Medals.