Faces Bio

William R. Godfrey was born on March 24, 1949, to Mr. and Mrs. William Godfrey. His home of record is Tuckahoe, NJ, Cape May County. He graduated from Ocean City High School in 1967.

Godfrey entered the US Army and was assigned to 1st Cavalry Division (Air Mobile), 25th Infantry Division, where he attained the rank of Sergeant (SGT). His tour of duty in Vietnam began on April 17, 1969.

On October 10, 1969, in Binh Long, South Vietnam, Godfrey's helicopter crashed in a non-hostile action. He is buried at Head of the River Cemetery in Estell Manor, NJ.

Godfrey was awarded numerous awards and decorations including two Bronze Star Medals, the Silver Star Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

His Bronze Star Medal citation reads:

Sergeant William R. Godfrey, United States Army, who distinguished himself by outstandingly meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. During the period April 1969 to October 1969 he consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a combat environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

His second Bronze Star Medal citation reads:

Sergeant William R. Godfrey, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 17 April 1969 to 10 October 1969. Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve those problems. The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom. His initiative, zeal, sound judgment and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the military service.

His Air Medal citation reads:

Sergeant William R. Godfrey, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight in support of combat ground forces of the Republic of Vietnam during the period 17 April 1969 to 10 October 1969. During this time he actively participated in more than twenty-five aerial missions over hostile territory in support of counterinsurgency operations. During all of these missions he displayed the highest order of air discipline and acted in accordance with the best traditions of the service. By his determination to accomplish his mission in spite of the hazards inherent in repeated aerial flights over hostile territory and by his outstanding degree of professionalism and devotion to duty, he has brought credit upon himself, his organization, and the military service.

His Silver Star citation reads:

Specialist Four United States Army Company C, 1st Battalion, (Airmobile), 8th Cavalry
For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four William R. Godfrey distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 6 September, while serving as point man Company C, 1st Battalion, (Airmobile), 8th Cavalry during a search and destroy mission in the Republic of Vietnam. As the company was advancing on a suspected enemy position, Specialist Four Godfrey spotted an enemy soldier hiding in the high grass and immediately shot him. Completely disregarding his own safety, he maintained his position putting out a high volume of suppressive fire while pointing out other locations to his fellow soldiers. Specialist Four Godfrey's gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Source: Mr. and Mrs. William C. Goffrey (parents) and NJVVMF.