Sgt. Charles F. Goyette, Assistant Radio Operator and Gunner
Charlie is survived by two daughters, Gladys Marie Barnaby and Jeannette Stoudt, one son, Charles, one sister, Dorothy Hatch, as well as six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Charles Goyette was born on July 17, 1915 to Gordon and Josephine Goyette. He was their first child with five more to follow: Mary Grace, Josephine, Gordon Jr., Gerard, and Dorothy. His father, Gordon Sr. was born in Canada, but the family settled in Josephine's home town of Detroit. They were Catholic, and Charles attended Holy Redeemer High School. The school was founded in 1882 and eventually closed in 2005 after 123 years of operation. Charles was very involved at Holy Redeemer: he served as an altar boy and in the Senior Acolytical Society where members took on even more church related duties. Charles also participated in football, basketball, and baseball.
Josephine above, on the right, on September 4, 1927. Charles would have been 12 years old at the time.
On February 12, 1942, at the age of 27, Charles enlisted in the Army at Fort Custer in Michigan and joined the fight in World War II. Previous to enlisting, he had been working in the field of automobile manufacturing. In the picture on the left, Charles holds his nephew, Vincent Hurley. They spent many decades together enjoying different activities and each others' company. Vincent died in 2016.
Charlie Walking on the Flight Line (most likely on base in England)
Picture left was probably taken in Peyote, Texas. "Sir Charles" has his serious face on, even if his note to his wife Gladys on the back of the picture says he shouldn't have. The family still has the bomber jacket he wore that day (below).
A funny family story about Charlie's bomber jacket: His granddaughter wore it to middle school for a few years when they were fashionable again in the late 80's. Apparently a patch was strategically sewn on the back of the jacket to cover up the topless young lady and render it "legal" to be worn to school by an early several years later.
teenager. The patch was removed with little damage
A serious picture of Charlie at his waist gunner position - missing Gladys.
According to family stories Charlie told over the years about his war experiences, he said that on several missions his eyes froze over due to the temperature and length of the mission.
My favorite picture of Charlie;
he had a great smile.
A Christmas "news" letter to his family after returning home from combat: "In short the Lord was with us." He looked forward to "a short spell of instructing, and then, home sweet home."
Charlie's medals referenced in the newspaper article above right.
The number of missions flown in the article above is incorrect; the required number for a tour of duty was 25, although some airmen did more than one tour.
(Above) Gordon Goyette, one of Charles' younger brothers, served in the Navy. After the war, he devoted much of his time to organizations for children and the underprivileged. There is no doubt that the Goyette family made many sacrifices for their faith, their country and each other.
Charles married Gladys Laminor (middle) on January 15, 1944, in Detroit. Cousin Jim (left) and brother Gerard (right) were present for the ceremony.
Charles (left), cousin Jim Grimshaw (middle), and brother Gerard (right) who served in the Navy. Gerard passed away in February, 2017.
Gladys in High School
Dick Postier, RBC Waist Gunner (left) with Charlie
Dick visiting Charlie in 1987.
Charles' mother, Josephine, died in 1980 at the age of 92 leaving 58 grandchildren covering three generations.
Charles' wife Gladys passed away in 1976, and Charles (or Grandpa G to his grandchildren) died in 1987. They are survived by three children.