Howard A. Gooden
Bio
Howard A. Gooden was drafted into the United States Army in March of 1951, but due to his work on the farm, he was not processed until December. During his basic training, he received training for both infantry and armor, which included learning how to load, drive, and fire the M24 light tank. Thanks to his farming experience, he learned how to drive the tank faster than others who grew up in the city. After completing his basic training, he was stationed at Fort Knox, where he was part of a unit that tested new vehicles and weapons. He reenlisted because he wanted to go overseas and volunteered to go to Korea. Upon landing at Incheon, he was assigned to an artillery unit at the 38th Parallel after the armistice. From his firing position, he could see North Korea and North Koreans who defected to the American side of the Demilitarized Zone for better food and clothes. In 1957, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army with the rank of Sergeant.
Video Clips
Armor Training
Howard A. Gooden reminisces about his armor training during basic training. He recounts how he was taught to load and fire the M24 light tank. He explains how the crew compartment was so cramped one had to be cautious when firing as the gun could potentially sever an arm. He marvels at how the .50 caliber machine gun can cut down a tree. He confesses that driving the tank was his favorite part, and he shares he felt better prepared than the soldiers who grew up in the city since he had prior experience driving tractors on the farm.
Testing Classified Weapons and Vehicles
Howard A. Gooden discusses being assigned to a testing unit after basic training where he tested new weapons and vehicles before sending them out to the troops. He recalls testing trucks and jeeps but admits that he enjoyed operating tanks the best. He explains that security was extremely tight due to the classified nature of the equipment being tested. He recalls being housed in a large barracks with the Military Police stationed between his unit and the Women's Army Corp on the opposite side.
Landing at Incheon and Traveling to the 38th Parallel
Howard A. Gooden shares his experience of landing in Incheon, Korea. He remembers being on a barge with two hundred to two hundred fifty soldiers, heading to land, and being passed by another landing barge with the same number of soldiers who were ready to go home. He describes taking a Korean train from Incheon and how small the seats were. He explains that guards would ensure nobody was getting on or off at every stop. He recalls how trucks finally met the train and how he was dropped off at the 38th Parallel with the field artillery.
Supervising Artillery Fire
Howard A. Gooden describes his role as a section chief overseeing an eight-inch howitzer. He remembers how his job was fairly straightforward since he was a replacement, and the rest of the crew knew what they were doing. He explains the different roles of each gun crew member, which included loading and ramming the two-hundred-pound artillery shell into the gun. He describes the process of firing, which involved sending the first shot over the target, the second shot in front of the target, and then adjusting the aim for the third shot to hit the target accurately.
Housing, Coffee, and Warm Clothing
Howard A. Gooden describes his sleeping arrangements on the firing range and in squad tents while on the front line. He explains how they fired at a range due to the Armistice. He remembers having to set up the guns before going to bed since there was no time to do so under fire. He admits that he started drinking coffee in Korea to keep warm when on the firing range. He expresses his appreciation for warm clothing while in Korea, describing "Mickey Mouse" boots, parkas, and warm hats.