Decorated WWII Veteran and Real Grandson of a Confederate Veteran Remembered in Virginia

The Dismal Swamp Rangers and members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans provided the Color Guard and Honor Guard at the funeral for 93 year old World War II veteran Ward Astrop Goodrich. 

Born March 29, 1923 in Bacons Castle, Surry County, Virginia; Lived one year at Chippokes Plantation before moving to South Norfolk, Virginia; Graduated South Norfolk High School.  Civil Service began at Naval Ammunition Depot, St. Julian’s Creek, VA on May 1, 1941.

Embarked from Ft. Dix, NJ on November 13, 1944; Disembarked in Cardiff, Wales on November 27, 1944; Truck convoy to Liverpool, England for Christmas.

Arrived in Le Harve, France on January 1, 1945; Participated in Liberation of France and supported General Patton’s 3^rd Army in the Battle of the Bulge.

Assisted in the Liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp, Germany

Captured the Germany 19^th Army in Landeck, Austria.

Honorably Discharged on April 16, 1946 at the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSGT).

Returned to Civil Service at Naval Ammunition Depot, St. Julian’s Creek and Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, VA retiring on January 3, 1986.

WWII Service Decorations include: American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Medaille de la France Liberee Medal and Belgium Commemorative Medal.

Joined Stonewall (Jackson) Camp #380, SCV via ancestor Pvt. William Henry McCoy, Co. I, 3^rd VA INF, Kemper’s Brigade, Pickett’s Division, Longstreet’s Corp, Army of Northern Virginia.

Adjutant for First Brigade, Virginia Division, ANV, SCV 1993 – 1996.

Recipient of UDC and SCV Cross of Military Service for service during World War II.

Member of Capt. Cary F. Grimes Chapter and Charter Member of Col. Walter H. Taylor Chapter, MOS&B

Charter Member of Point Lookout POW Organization via Pvt. William W. Goodrich, Co. G, 13^th VA CAV and Pvt. Wilson Jones, Co. I, 3^rd VA INF.

Past First Brigade Adjutant Ward A. Goodrich went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 9, 2016.  

I consider it an honor to have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Goodrich on several occasions. He was the real grandson of a Confederate Veteran and remembered his grandfather, who died when he was 5. ~ Susan