Alfred Goudge

U.S. Navy •1940-1960 •World War II
BMC

Their Story

Al Goudge is my great uncle. He was taken prisoner by the Japanese following the fall of Corregidor in early 1942 and stayed a POW until his liberation at the end of the war in the Pacific in September 1945. While a prisoner Al was brought to Bilibid prison and ultimately transported on the infamous Japanese Hell-Ships to Sendai POW Camp 6B in Hanawa. After liberation Al re-enlisted in 1946 and served in the US Navy until he retired.

“While in captivity, Al was forced to appear in DAWN OF FREEDOM, a Japanese propaganda film about the defeat of the US in the Philippines. He shared of his time as a POW often, describing the harsh conditions and poor treatment. Prior to capture he weighed 155lbs, and at the time of his liberation was only 87lbs.
Al's advice to young people during an interview he gave on October 1, 2020, "I would say to young people that they ought to appreciate what they have today because freedom is not free".”