RCAF Aviation History: Major John Trevor Godfrey

Major John Trevor Godfrey

(IWM Photo, 15419)

Captain John 'Johnny' T. Godfrey of the 4th Fighter Group, 1944.

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 the Second World War. 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. In August 1941, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). He graduated from flight school in October 1942. Godfrey then served with the No 57 Operational Training Unit in England before receiving a commission with the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) on 27 April 1943.

(DoD Photo)

Major John T. Godfrey.

Because he had served with the RAF before the US entered war, the USAAF allowed him to wear his RCAF Wings.

(USAAF Photo)

Lt John Godfrey with his Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (Serial No. 42-7884), coded VF-P. Dog on the wing is his pet "Lucky" whose name and portraait appers on the cowling. "Reggie's Reply" painted just forward of the windscreen. A 108 gallon resin impregnated paper drop tank is hung on the belly shackles.

(DoD Photo)

Lt John Godfrey with his Republic P-47D Thunderbolt (Serial No. 42-7884), coded VF-P.

(USAAF Photo)

Lt. John T. Godfrey, his dog "Lucky", and his crew chief S/Sgt Larry Krantz, on the wing of their North American P-51B Mustang, (Serial No. 43-6765), coded VF-P.

(USAAF Photo)

North American P-51D Mustang (Serial No. 44-64153), coded VF-P, flown by Capt Godfrey.

He was assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron of the 4th Fighter Group in September 1943, and was credited with destroying 16.33 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus another 12.66 in ground strafing runs before he was accidentally shot down by a wingman and captured by the Germans on 24 August 1944. He was flying a North American P-51D Mustang (Serial No. 44-13412), when he crashed in Northeim, Germany.

He later escaped from Stalag Luft III shortly before the end of the war. He returned to the United States soon after. Godfrey was promoted to the rank of major before he was discharged shortly following the war. He served at bases in New Jersey, Rhode Island, Alabama, and Ohio after the war, and received an honorable discharge on 30 March 1946. He then served in the Air Force Reserve until 1 April 1953.

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

After the war, Godfrey served in the Rhode Island Senate where he represented West Greenwich. Elected in 1952, he served until 1954, when he moved his family to Maine. Godfrey died on June 12, 1958, of ALS at his home in Freeport, Maine. Survived by his wife and two sons, he was buried in Coventry, Rhode Island.

Godfrey's autobiography, The Look of Eagles, was written with Thomas D. White and published posthumously in 1958. (Wikipedia)

(IWM Photo, FRE 5304)

John Godfrey and Don Gentile, two pilots of the 336th Fighter Squadron, the 4th Fighter Group, at Debden, UK.

His 1st (of 2) Silver Star Citation reads:

‍For gallantry in action, while piloting a fighter aircraft in support of bombers on a mission over Germany, 8 March 1944. Shortly after making rendezvous with the formation, enemy aircraft were observed preparing to attack the bombers. Exhibiting superior combat tactics, Lieutenant Godfrey and his section leader immediately launched a vigorous attack, each of them destroying one of the enemy planes. While climbing back to protect the bombers, two more enemy fighters were seen flying towards the formation. Again Lieutenant Godfrey engaged the enemy and destroyed another aircraft. This encounter was hardly over before Lieutenant Godfrey and his section leader shared in the destruction of a third enemy fighter. The gallantry, zeal and superior flying skill displayed by Lieutenant Godfrey in protecting the formation served as an inspiration to his fellow flyers and materially aided in the completion of an important bombing mission.

Major Godfrey was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star [OLC] (with Oak Leaf cluster), Distinguished Flying Cross [5 OLC]; Purple Heart; Air Medal [3 OLC]; Distinguished Unit Citation Ribbon; Prisoner of War Medal; French Croix de Guerre w/ Silver Star; American Campaign Medal, WWII Victory; American Defense Service Medal; 1939-1945 Star, Aircrew over Europe Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Ribbon w/ Maple Leaf.

(DoD Photo)

Major John T. Godfrey.

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