Frank Bryan Goettge was a United States Marine Corps intelligence officer in World War II.
12 Facts About Frank Goettge
1.
2.
Frank Goettge led the ill-fated Goettge Patrol in the early days of the Guadalcanal campaign and was killed during that operation.
3.
Frank Goettge enlisted in the Marine Corps during World War I in May 1917, after spending one year at Ohio University.
4.
In 1924, Frank Goettge went to Quantico and was later sent to the Marine Detachment in Peking, China.
5.
In June 1941, Frank Goettge was assigned to the 1st Marine Division and remained in that unit as division intelligence officer until his death the following year.
6.
Frank Goettge was known for his prowess on the football field; first at Barberton High School in Ohio, then for several semi-pro football teams and on the Ohio Bobcats freshman football team.
7.
Frank Goettge gained national fame playing football for the Quantico Marines.
8.
Frank Goettge thought that this might be an opportunity to secure much of the island without significant fighting, and he decided to act quickly.
9.
Frank Goettge organized a 25-man patrol to land just west of the Matanikau estuary.
10.
Frank Goettge ordered a defensive perimeter established, then took two men, Captain Ringer and First Sergeant Custer, with him to scout the jungle.
11.
Not long after they left the beach, the Japanese opened fire, and Frank Goettge was killed with a shot to the head.
12.
Frank Goettge saw a Japanese soldier firing into the corpses of the Marines and decided it would be certain death to remain.