Goodrich

MEMORANDUM

I.

Matthew J. Goodrich (“Goodrich” or “plaintiff’) was a twelve-year veteran of the Navy. On October 28, 1998, he was arrested by military authorities for drunk and disorderly conduct and indecent assault on a junior enlisted female airman, Christy L. Kronauge (“Kronauge”). The victim’s complaint stated that Goodrich entered her unlocked room while she was in her bed wearing only her undergarments. Goodrich then allegedly lay on top of her and attempted to kiss her, succeeding in kissing her on the neck. According to Kronauge, a struggle followed, and she succeeded in getting Goodrich off of her and wrapped herself in a towel. Goodrich then left her room.

An extensive Naval investigation commenced, which progressed along two tracks. The first track was to decide whether Goodrich would be subject to disciplinary punishment. He ultimately was reduced from pay grade E-5 to pay grade E-4. The second investigation involved whether Goodrich should be “separated” from naval service, in other words discharged with “other than honorable” status. After Goodrich’s case had progressed through several layers of appeals, on June 18, 1999, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy…