Their son Sgt. Lucas Goddard is not only in the military, he is a "Screaming Eagle," a member of the 1st Brigade of the Armys 101st Airborne, a force on the frontlines in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Bronze Star is presented to soldiers exhibiting meritorious efforts in one of three categories: service, achievement and valor. Goddard and fellow soldier Sgt. James Ward received their Bronze Stars for valor in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. Under heavy fire, he was able to move his team to safety. Once the unit was protected, Goddard and his group engaged the enemy fighters, then called in Apache helicopters to destroy them. It was the biggest firefight he saw during the war. The fact that Gen. Tommy Franks, who directed the war from Kuwait, took the time to go to Iraq and personally present the awardall before allied troops had even made it to Baghdadillustrates how significant Goddards actions were. |
IBEWCURRENTS July/August 2003 IBEW Journal |