Bobby Goodman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert O. Goodman
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Bobby Goodman shortly after his release, on 4 January 1984
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| Nickname(s) | Bobby |
| Born | 30 November 1956 |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1978–1995 |
| Rank | Commander |
| Unit | VA-85 |
| Battles/wars | Lebanese Civil War Gulf War |
| Awards | Prisoner of War Medal |
Robert O. Goodman (born 30 November 1956) is a former United States Navy flight officer. He was a bombardier–navigator, meaning he helped guide the plane and drop bombs. On December 4, 1983, his A-6 Intruder plane was shot down over Lebanon. He was captured after safely ejecting from his damaged plane. He was held captive for 30 days. His release on January 3, 1984, was helped by Jesse Jackson.
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Robert O. Goodman was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 30, 1956. He grew up and later joined the military. In 1978, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy. This is a special college that trains officers for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. His father was also in the military, serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force.
Military Service in Lebanon
In October 1983, the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) was sent to Beirut, Lebanon. This happened after a terrible attack killed many U.S. military members there. The ship stayed in the area, helping to keep peace.
On December 4, 1983, U.S. Navy planes were on a mission over Beirut. This mission was a response to earlier attacks on U.S. fighter jets. Robert Goodman was part of this mission, flying in an A-6 Intruder.
Shot Down and Captured
During the mission, Robert Goodman's plane was hit by a missile. The plane was flying low and had just dropped its bombs. The missile struck the engine, and the plane immediately caught fire.
The pilot, Lieutenant Mark Lange, tried his best to control the burning aircraft. He worked to make sure both he and Goodman could eject safely. They ejected at the last moment, but sadly, Lieutenant Lange's parachute did not open correctly. He was badly hurt and died shortly after being captured. Goodman was knocked out during the landing. He broke three ribs and hurt his shoulder and knee. Syrian troops and local people found him and took him to Damascus.
Time as a Prisoner
Robert Goodman was held captive for over a month. The U.S. government worked hard to get him released. During his captivity, he had a few visitors. One visitor was Ambassador Robert Paganelli, who even brought him a Christmas dinner.
How Robert Goodman Was Released
In December 1983, a famous civil rights leader, Jesse Jackson, traveled to Syria. He went with a group of people, including Reverend Wyatt Tee Walker, Louis Farrakhan, and others. Their goal was to peacefully secure Goodman's release. Their mission was successful, and Robert Goodman was set free.
Life After Captivity
After his release, Robert Goodman returned to the United States. He continued to serve in the Navy. He even flew the A-6 Intruder again during the Gulf War in 1991. His experiences were featured in a TV show called Wings Over the Gulf.
Goodman retired from the Navy in 1995 with the rank of Commander. After his military career, he started his own business in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Images for kids
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Bobby Goodman shortly after his release, on 4 January 1984
