In May of 1945, 80 years ago, General Douglas MacArthur established the Original Company Headquarters and Service Group, which eventually became the Honor Guard, in Manila, Philippines.
The initial role of the group was to protect his family and staff – MacArthur and his wife, Jean, referred to Company E as “their boys.”
That Company included a local resident – Gerard Goeden, originally of rural Menominee, and family indicates that they believe he is the last known survivor of the original Honor Guard Company E.
Gerard Goeden is the brother of the late Jerome Goeden, the late Marvin Goeden, and Duane Goeden who still lives on his farm near Menominee. The Goedens are the sons of Frank J. and Francis Goeden.
All 5 brothers, and 2 sisters served in the United States Armed Forces.
Gerard Goeden turned 100 at his last birthday, and still lives with his wife in Minnesota.
Goeden served during World War II, with the late Clarene Hoesing and late Roman Arens of Hartington. The three were inducted together and went through their basic training together.
The Goeden Family expressed appreciation to James Zobel with the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Va. (www.marcarthurmemorial.org) and Stephanie Tompson of Gold Canyon, Ariz. for their research.
More information can be found with a web search on other sites as well, including http://generalmacarthurshonorguard.com/wordpress/.