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 November 30, 1956) was a pilot in the United States Navy. He was a bombardier-navigator, which means he helped fly planes and aim bombs. In 1983, his A-6 Intruder plane was shot down over Lebanon. He was captured after he ejected 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 Goodman was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 28, 1956. He joined the US Navy and graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1978. His father was also in the military, serving as an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.
In October 1983, a US Navy aircraft carrier, the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), was sent to Beirut, Lebanon. This happened after a terrible bombing killed 241 US military members there. The ship stayed in the area for the rest of 1983 and early 1984. Its job was to patrol and keep the peace.
On December 4, US Navy planes were attacked. In response, ten A-6 Intruders from Goodman's squadron, VA-85 Black Falcons, took part in a bombing mission over Beirut. Other planes from the USS Independence (CV-62) also joined the mission.
Goodman's Plane Is Shot Down
During the bombing mission, Goodman's plane was hit. An infrared homing missile struck the engine as they were dropping their bombs. The plane was flying low, about 1,800 feet (554 meters) above the ground.
The plane immediately caught fire. The pilot, Lieutenant Mark Lange, tried to control the aircraft. He wanted to give himself and Goodman a chance to safely eject. The plane went down quickly. It then pulled up, likely stalled, and crashed on a hill. This happened near a village surrounded by Syrian anti-aircraft guns.
Capture and Injury
Lieutenant Lange ejected both himself and Goodman at the last moment. Sadly, Lange's parachute did not open correctly, and he died shortly after hitting the ground. Syrian soldiers and Lebanese civilians captured him.
Goodman was knocked unconscious during the landing. He broke three ribs and hurt his shoulder and knee. But he was otherwise stable. The Syrians captured him and took him to Damascus.
Being a Prisoner
Goodman was held for over a month. The US government tried many times to get him released. He had a few visitors while he was held. One visitor was Ambassador Robert Paganelli, who even brought him Christmas dinner.
How He Was Released
In December 1983, Jesse Jackson traveled to Syria. He led a group of people who wanted to help. Their goal was to peacefully get Goodman released.
The mission was successful. On January 3, 1984, Robert Goodman was set free.
Life After Captivity
After being released and returning to the United States, Goodman continued to serve in the Navy.
He was featured in a TV show called Wings Over the Gulf in 1992. In the episode, he talked about his experiences flying the A-6 Intruder during the Gulf War in 1991.
Goodman retired from the Navy in 1995. He had reached the rank of commander. After leaving the Navy, he became a business owner in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
