Military Experience |
Goodman worked as a clerk for Stein Brothers in Chatham, Mississippi, prior to entering the military. Stein Brothers was a general store run by Lawrence’s foster mother’s father Victor A. Stein. Even before entering the service, Lawrence had connections with the U.S. Engineers. Goodman would enter the service on May 15, 1942* at Camp Shelby and attend military schools at both Keesler and Wendover. He would graduate from the Bombing and Gunnery School at Wendover Field, Utah, on March 25, 1943.
During World War II, Goodman served as a Technical Sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps in the 577th Bomber Squadron in the 392nd Bomber Group. Lawrence’s group is listed as a bombardment combat group under the nickname of “The Crusaders”. This group flew B-24 Liberators (some of the only ones equipped with nose turrets) out of Wendling, Norfolk, England until April of 1945. Goodman’s specialty within his group was aerial engineering. However, he also sometimes worked as a radio operator when flying.
*Date listed in Delta Democrat Times (newspaper); other sources state June 15, 1942.
During World War II, Goodman served as a Technical Sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps in the 577th Bomber Squadron in the 392nd Bomber Group. Lawrence’s group is listed as a bombardment combat group under the nickname of “The Crusaders”. This group flew B-24 Liberators (some of the only ones equipped with nose turrets) out of Wendling, Norfolk, England until April of 1945. Goodman’s specialty within his group was aerial engineering. However, he also sometimes worked as a radio operator when flying.
*Date listed in Delta Democrat Times (newspaper); other sources state June 15, 1942.