Woonsocket in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Major John T. Godfrey
Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 27, 2022
1. Major John T. Godfrey Marker
Inscription.
Major John T. Godfrey. .
Major John T. Godfrey. Born in Montreal, Canada, Major John T. Godfrey moved to Woonsocket with his family at the age of one. He was raised in that city and graduated as class president of Woonsocket High School in 1940. Immediately after graduation Godfrey enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served in the Royal Air Force in Britain before the United States entered the war in December 1941. Godfrey rose to fighter ace status with 16.33 aerial victories and 13.67 ground kills as a member of the 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, 8th United States Army Air Force based at Debden, England during World War II. As a wingman for the famous fighter ace Don Gentile (30 combined kills) the two were known as "Captains Courageous" and the "Two-Man Air Force." No other pair of American fliers were responsible for as many victories during the war. He flew aircraft named "Reggie's Reply" in honor of his brother who lost his life in the Battle of the Atlantic. Woonsocket's favorite son was highly decorated during his two tours of service in Europe. He received the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Distinguished Unit Citation, the Distinguished Service Cross, a Purple Heart, the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the European Theatre Ribbon with 4 Battle Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the French Croix de Guerre with Silver Star, the American Campaign Medal, the Defense Service Medal, and the Canadian Volunteer Ribbon with Maple Leaf. Major Godfrey's courage and dedication in service to his country during its greatest time of need will never be forgotten. Tragically he contracted ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and suffered an early death at age thirty-six.
March 28, 1922 - June 12, 1958.
Major John T. Godfrey
Born in Montreal, Canada, Major John T. Godfrey moved to Woonsocket with his family at the age of one. He was raised in that city and graduated as class president of Woonsocket High School in 1940. Immediately after graduation Godfrey enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served in the Royal Air Force in Britain before the United States entered the war in December 1941. Godfrey rose to fighter ace status with 16.33 aerial victories and 13.67 ground kills as a member of the 336th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, 8th United States Army Air Force based at Debden, England during World War II. As a wingman for the famous fighter ace Don Gentile (30 combined kills) the two were known as "Captains Courageous" and the "Two-Man Air Force." No other pair of American fliers were responsible for as many victories during the war. He flew aircraft named "Reggie's Reply" in honor of his brother who lost his life in the Battle of the Atlantic. Woonsocket's favorite son was highly decorated during his two tours of service in Europe. He received the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Distinguished Unit Citation, the Distinguished Service Cross, a Purple Heart, the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the European Theatre Ribbon with 4 Battle Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the French
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Croix de Guerre with Silver Star, the American Campaign Medal, the Defense Service Medal, and the Canadian Volunteer Ribbon with Maple Leaf. Major Godfrey's courage and dedication in service to his country during its greatest time of need will never be forgotten. Tragically he contracted ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and suffered an early death at age thirty-six.
March 28, 1922 - June 12, 1958
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is March 28, 1922.
Location. 42° 0.443′ N, 71° 31.695′ W. Marker is in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, in Providence County. Memorial is on River Street north of 2nd Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Located next to American Legion Fairmount Post 85. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 870 River Street, Woonsocket RI 02895, United States of America. Touch for directions.
3. Markers at the American Legion Fairmount Post 85 Veterans Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 105 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on May 6, 2022, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
