Lieutenant Gaudette was a veteran of World War II. In Korea, he was the pilot of an AD-3 Skyraider dive bomber with Attack Squadron 125 (923) aboard the carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34). On 15 November 1952, while striking the enemy main supply route between Majon-ni and Yangdok, North Korea, his aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed into a mountain. His remains were not recovered.

For his leadership and valor, Lieutenant Gaudette was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Korea War Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.