George A. Godding

George Godding Obituary

GODDING GEORGE ARTHUR GODDING Maj. Gen., USA (Ret.) On Saturday, December 6, 2008 of Arlington VA. Beloved husband of Elizabeth Godding: father of Elizabeth C. Lytle, George A. Godding, Jr. and Ruth A. Godding. Also survived by five grandchildren and two-great grandchildren. General Godding held the positions of Director of Intelligence, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam and Commander, U.S. Army Security Agency (ASA). His military career spanned 36 years from 1939 to 1975. He rose from an enlisted man in the Kansas National Guard to the rank of Major General. He fought in Europe as Executive Officer and then Commander of the 3rd Battalion, 359th Regiment, 90th Division. He participated with the Unit in the D-Day landing in Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and the break through of the vaunted German Siegfried Line. After the war he held intelligence positions as Plans and Policies Officer in HQ, ASDA, S3 ASA Europe, Commander 507th ASA Group, Chief of Staff HQ ASA, Commander ASA Pacific and Commander ASA from 1973-1975. He also served as Division Chief J3-JCS, G2 US Army Pacific and J2 Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster and “V”, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge. He is in the Intelligence Hall of Fame in Ft. Huachuca, AZ and the Honor Roll in the Officer Candidate Hall of Fame at Ft. Benning, GA. After retirement General Godding remained engaged with the intelligence community, and dedicated time to his church and the Army Navy Country Club. He was an avid golfer, handball player, and stamp collector. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 11 a.m. at Fort Myer Post Chapel. Interment with Full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Foundation, Suite 514, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 11 a.m. at Fort Myer Post Chapel. Interment with Full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the VFW Foundation, Suite 514, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111.

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Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 31, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for George Godding

12 Entries

Jeffrey Bodin

February 9, 2009

He was a gentle giant, Always spoke kind words, and a loving human being, going to miss you, Uncle George

Emmaline (Liu) Harris

February 8, 2009

My deepest condolences to the Godding family. It has been decades since I had the opportunity to know this wonderful family back in Hawaii.

Arthur Carter

February 2, 2009

ASA all the Way-Thank You for Your Service and Support.

Richard L. Jones

February 1, 2009

One of the very best officers in the Army Security Agency.
Colonel Richard L. Jones USA Ret

Al Murdock

January 31, 2009

George,
You're now "Over the Bar and Out to Sea." I wish you God's blessings and fair winds.
Thank you for enriching my life and those of our ASA comrades.

Garland Gibbs

January 31, 2009

My sincere condolences to the Godding family. He was a true Gentleman and an outstanding General Officer. It was an Honor to serve in his Command.

Bob Doehrman

January 31, 2009

I worked with General Godding at Arlington Hall. We actually met the first time at a reception on the roof of the Vietnamese Officer Club (I think) in 1969 in Saigon. He hired me at BDM when I left active duty. George was a "Professional Gentleman" in everything he did. It was a pleasure to work for him. My memories of him are all great. My sympathies to his family. I share their loss.

Leonard Fischer

January 31, 2009

I worked for/with Gen Godding for many years. I have always considered him to be "Mr. ASA" Len

Donald Nesheim

January 31, 2009

My condolences to the Gooding family. I was assigned to HQ USASAPAC at Camp Zama, Japan in February 1964. I was a newly appointment ASA Warrant Officer and recently married. Col Gooding made a point to talk to me shortly after my arrival at the HQ and insure that I had family quarters and all the my wife and needed. He was a fine gentleman, great commander, and I enjoyed serving in his command.

Fred and Virginia Brooks

January 31, 2009

With great respect and in loving memory...

Nelson Johnson

January 31, 2009

My Condolences to the Godding family. He was a Gentleman, Commander and a Leader with few equals. I briefed him often but never served under him.
He always knew the questions to ask and then how to translate the responses into effective action.
He was admired by all who served with and for him.

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