Gould, Bob

Item

Title
Gould, Bob
Performer
Bob Gould
Interviewer
Gary Lillie
Description
Robert Gould was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 13, 1942. His father was of Polish descent and worked as a share-cropper in upstate New York. Bob's mother was of Ukrainian descent. The farm owner was named Gould, so Bob and his brother became known as the Gould boys. His father changed the family name to Gould. Two weeks after finishing high school, Bob joined the Army, as did one of his friends. At the time, enlistees could join for two years, but draftees had to serve for three. After basic training, Bob was assigned to the First Infantry Division. When given the opportunity, he volunteered for the 101st Airborne Division. His 1st Infantry group was sent to Germany, and Bob was transferred to Fort Benning, Georgia for jump training. He qualified for jump status and was assigned as one of the Medics, which served in the clinics and hospitals. All 101st Division personnel were required to maintain their "Jump Status," which meant that they had to jump periodically. When Bob was discharged, he returned to Detroit, and went to school for six years on the GI Bill.
Date Span
Dates of Service
Subject
Enlisted; United States Army; 101st Airborne Division; 1st Infantry Division; Cold War; United States; Germany; E-4
Publisher
Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Collection Location
2/13
https://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/loc.natlib.afc2001001.71523
Spatial Coverage
United States; Germany
Item sets
VHP