SPC Nathaniel Dudley Gouge joined the US Army in 1964 and served for 5 years. SPC Gouge was assigned as the Driver for Company Commander while stationed in Germany. He was awarded the Riffle Marksmanship Medal and also Demolitions Expert Medal. While unloading an ammunitions trailer in Germany the trailer slipped off the hitch and onto his leg crushing his foot, which later resulted in his discharge from the Army