World War Two Veteran Honored at Bears' Halftime

Members of the Illinois Army National Guard and Active Duty service members, including Wheaton native LtCol Edward Godfrey, were honored during the Chicago Bears versus Detroit Lions football game Sunday at Soldier Field.

More than 100 men and women from all five branches of service participated in pregame and half-time activities. Pregame events included the unfurling of the American Flag, the singing of the National Anthem, fireworks, and a C-17 Globemaster flyover by the U.S Air Force, according to a release from National Guard PAO Illinois.

During half-time, Command Sgt. Maj. John Starbody, Illinois Army National Guard, received the Meritorious Service Medal from Brig. Gen. Robert Pratt, Director of the Illinois National Guard's Joint Staff. Brig. Gen. Kendall Penn and Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L Andrews, First Army, Rock island, Ill., conducted a re-enlistment ceremony for more than 30 service members from all five branches of service.

LtCol Godfrey received his Wings of Gold and U.S. Marine 2nd Lt. bars May 16, 1944 at age 19.

He was stationed on five aircraft carriers during World War II and three aircraft carriers during the Korean War.  He flew over 1,000 hours in the Corsair and is featured in the book, “International Air Power Review, Volume 11, with a lead photo in the Korean War section in his Corsair, fully loaded, heading to North Korea.

He volunteered for Vietnam and flew night flare, sensor and radio relay missions in the C-117.  During the day he flew Cobra gunship helicopter missions.  He retired from the reserves in 1973 having flown 150 combat missions, 38 different aircraft, 163 carrier landings  and over 4,000 flight hours during his career.  Some of his many medals include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star with Combat V, eight Air Medals, six Campaign Stars, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

In 1991 he volunteered for duty during Operation Desert Shield/Storm in the Gulf and even though he didn’t serve, he received a letter of appreciation.

Former President Bush’s wife, Laura, wrote to him on his 80th birthday:  “To have served in one conflict is heroic; to have served in three and volunteered for a fourth is astonishing!”

Ed will be accompanied by his four children at Soldier Stadium: Shannon, Kerry, retired from the Air Force, Eddie, and Air Force Major Patrick Godfrey, stationed in Hawaii presently.