Merchant Marine veteran remembers his time in service

Reporter: Nicole Lauren
Published:
Carl Godert, former Merchant Marine

Monday morning, we salute honor, courage and eternal values of those who served, and WINK News reported, Nicole Lauren spoke to one local veteran who had a critical role in both the European and Pacific theaters of WWII.

“It was war time ….I was walking down the street with three of my buddies… and we saw this big sign “we need you”,” WWII Merchant Marine, Carl Godert said.

That was a sign that changed his life forever, because at 18-years-old, Godert joined the Merchant Marines.

“When you’re 17 and 18 you don’t have fear I never gave it a thought,” Godert said.

Godert showed off his old pictures, and rattled off war stories like they happened just yesterday.

But when he’s not telling old stories, Godert like to spend his time a little differently these days by fixing up old clocks.

After spending time with Godert, WINK News reporter, Nicole Lauren says the best way to describe the veteran is a creative, and caring man, who is proud to be an American.

“We live in a great country…the United States of America, get down on your knees everybody and thank the Lord that you’re here,” Godert said.

Godert made $50 a day on the Liberty ship because it was so dangerous. He sent all the money he made back home to his family.

When he came home he discovered his mom saved every penny, and he used that to buy a bowling alley.

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