See ya later Cliff

/ Operation Meatball/


It’s been about a week since we lost Clifford Goodall. What a doll he was. Everyone knows Cliff definitely charmed his way all around the world. His DDay story is a special one - landing with 7th Naval Beach Battalion on Omaha beach and surviving.. I don’t know how many time he returned to Normandy in subsequent years, but every time he was met with so much love and gratitude from the people of France. They adored him.

Once in Normandy I was traveling with a different group, but at nearly every ceremony Cliff happened to be sat in front of me. It was pretty chilly that year, so I kept badgering him into taking blankets and heating packs, making sure he had enough water, snacks, and chocolate. He finally declared, “Do you think you’re my mother!” To which my answer was, “Of course!”

My last in-person visit with Cliff was at a paratrooper reunion of all places. I was thrilled to have him there as a reinforcement against all the crazy paras. It was a good time.

So many more little anecdotes. Cliff will be missed. But he left us with a wonderful book of memories. ❤️

Operation Meatball

Honoring Veterans & Connecting Them With the Youth of Today