John T. Godfrey

This article is about the fighter pilot. For the diplomat, see John Godfrey (diplomat). For other people with similar names, see John Godfrey (disambiguation).
John Trevor Godfrey
Born(1922-03-28)March 28, 1922
Montreal, Canada
DiedJune 12, 1958(1958-06-12) (aged 36)
Freeport, Maine, U.S.
Buried
Coventry, Rhode Island, U.S.
AllegianceCanada
United States
Service / branchRoyal Canadian Air Force (1941–1943)
United States Army Air Forces (1943–1945)
Years of service1941–1945
RankMajor
Unit4th Fighter Group
Battles / warsWorld War II
AwardsSilver Star (2)
Distinguished Flying Cross (8)
Air Medal (4)

John Trevor Godfrey (March 28, 1922 – June 12, 1958) was a Canadian-born American fighter pilot and flying ace in the 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, Eighth Air Force during World War II.[1]

Biography

John Godfrey and Don Gentile at RAF Debden

Born in Montreal, Godfrey moved with his family to Woonsocket, Rhode Island, when he was one year old; he later graduated from high school there.[2] In October 1941, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF); he transferred to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in 1943.[2]

As a member of the 4th Fighter Group within the Eighth Air Force of the USAAF, Godfrey was friend and wingman to Don Gentile.[3][4] Together, they were known as "Captains Courageous", "The Two Man Air Force", "Messerschmitt Killers", or "Damon and Pythias".[5]

Godfrey achieved 18 air-to-air kills against the Luftwaffe until August 24, 1944, when he was accidentally shot down by a wingman and captured by the Germans.[6] He later escaped from Stalag Luft III shortly before the end of the war.[2]

Godfrey was promoted to the rank of major before he was discharged shortly following the war.

After the war, Godfrey served in the Rhode Island Senate where he represented West Greenwich.[7] Elected in 1952, he served until 1954, when he moved his family to Maine.[2]

Godfrey died on June 12, 1958, of ALS at his home in Freeport, Maine.[8] Survived by his wife and two sons, he was buried in Coventry, Rhode Island.[9]

Godfrey's autobiography, The Look of Eagles, was written with Thomas D. White and published posthumously in 1958.[10][2]

References

  1. ^ Philip Kaplan (2017). Lone Eagle: The Fighter Pilot Experience - From World War I and World War II to the Jet Age. New York: Skyhorse Publishing. ISBN 978-1-5107-0516-6. OCLC 1005928360. Retrieved December 2, 2018 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ a b c d e McCann, Tim (October 2010). "Biography - John T. Godfrey, 336" (PDF). The Eagle Eye. 4thfightergroupassociation.org. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  3. ^ Philip Kaplan (2006). Two-Man Air Force: Don Gentile & John Godfrey World War Two Flying Aces. Havertown: Pen and Sword. ISBN 978-1-4738-0065-6. OCLC 1048404608 – via Google Books.
  4. ^ Video: American Army Women Serving On All Fronts Etc. (1944). Universal Newsreel. 1944. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
  5. ^ Cohen, David; Covington, Greg (1 February 2016). "The Last Flight of Don Gentile". Warbird Digest. Vintage Aviation Publications. Retrieved 21 May 2020. Don Gentile needs no introduction. Whether known as 'Captains Courageous', 'The Two Man Air Force', 'Messerschmitt Killers', or 'Damon and Pythias', the exploits of he and his wingman, John Godfrey,
  6. ^ "John Trevor Godfrey | Military". American Air Museum in Britain. Archived from the original on April 19, 2015. Retrieved 2018-12-02.
  7. ^ "Bill To End V-J Holiday Backed". The Newport Daily News. Newport, Rhode Island. April 3, 1953. p. 12. Retrieved June 3, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Flying Ace John Godfrey Loses Battle With Disease". Portland Press Herald. Portland, Maine. June 13, 1958. p. 1. Retrieved June 3, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
  9. ^ "Air Ace Godfrey Succumbs At 36; Was Long Ill". The Newport Daily News. Newport, Rhode Island. AP. June 13, 1958. p. 2. Retrieved June 3, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
  10. ^ Godfrey, John Trevor (1973) [1958]. The Look of Eagles. New York City: Ballantine. ISBN 0345236572. OCLC 14685879. Retrieved December 2, 2018 – via Google Books.