Honoring WWII Veteran Jules Goudy on his 101st birthday

By JON BALDWIN
Clay Township Military Library & Museum

We are honored to recognize World War II veteran Jules Goudy on the occasion of his 101st birthday, which was June 17, 2026.

Mr. Goudy served in the U.S. Army during World War II, seeing duty in both the European and Western Pacific theaters as a soldier and a musician, and his story reflects the resilience and devotion of his generation.

Earlier this year, our volunteers with the Clay Township Military Library and Museum visited Jules at his home in Noblesville to record his memories for the museum’s oral history collection. He shared vivid recollections of growing up during the Great Depression, entering the Army as a young man, traveling from stateside training to Europe in early 1945, and later deploying to the Philippines following the war’s end. As a trumpeter and member of his division band, he not only supported morale through music but also served at regimental headquarters as the division moved across France and into Germany.

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On June 17, 2026, the Museum’s Board had the privilege of presenting Jules with two special hand knitted gifts in recognition of his service and this milestone birthday. The first was a scarf created in the pattern and colors of the World War II Victory campaign ribbon, symbolizing his contribution to the Allied victory and the gratitude of a community that still benefits from the freedoms secured by his generation. The second was an afghan/lap robe, designed to offer both warmth and a daily reminder that his service is remembered and honored.

Photo provided

These items were lovingly knitted by Debby Doss, wife of U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran Bill Doss, friends and strong supporters of the Clay Township Military Library and Museum. The Victory ribbon scarf continues a family tradition begun by Bill’s mother, who once knitted a similar scarf for her husband, a World War II veteran, and Debby has extended that legacy by creating scarves and afghans for other World War II veterans, including those recognized at Indy Honor Flight gatherings. At the Museum, Debby’s scarves are displayed in our Home Front collection, underscoring how families on the home front – and, today, their descendants – express enduring support and gratitude to those who served.

The Museum Board asked Bill and Debby to create a WW2 Victory ribbon-themed scarf specifically for Jules’ 101st birthday, and they graciously offered the afghan as an additional gift. Together, these handcrafted pieces represent not only the service of one remarkable veteran but also the love, care, and remembrance that knit our community to its history and to those who wore the nation’s uniform.

We invite you to join us in wishing Jules Goudy a very happy 101st birthday and in thanking him for his faithful service to our country. Please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by him and all who served during World War II.