Two-Man Air Force: Don Gentile & John Godfrey: World War II Flying Legends

Don Gentile and John Godfrey were American volunteers who flew together with the USAAF 4th Fighter Group, based at Debden near Cambridge. They had accounted for over 58 enemy aircraft destroyed. Major Gentile had scored 22 air and 6 ground kills before being returned to the USA, while Major Godfrey was credited with 18 air and 12 ground kills before being shot down and taken prisoner of war. They were hell-bent on destroying the enemy in the skies of Europe and lived life to the full in their off-duty time in England.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

American volunteers Don Gentile and John Godfrey flew together as leader and wingman, respectively, with the USAAF 4th Fighter Group based at Debden near Cambridge. At the end of their missions with the 4th, the two had accounted for over 58 enemy aircraft destroyed. Major Gentile had scored 22 air and 6 ground kills before he was returned to the USA to help raise money for the war effort. Major Godfrey was credited with 18 air and 12 ground kills before he was shot down and taken prisoner of war.

This is the story of their amazing adventures and wartime partnership, from their basic training in Canada to England, where they first flew the Supermarine Spitfire. It continues with their transfer to the USAAF 4th Fighter Group when the US entered the war. These two ace pilots loved life as much as flying and were hell-bent on destroying the enemy in the skies of Europe. They also lived life to the full in their off-duty time in England.

During their time in the 4th Fighter Group, Don Gentile and John Godfrey flew a total of 102 missions together. They were known as the "Sundown Kids" because they would often fly late into the night, taking advantage of the cover of darkness to engage the enemy. Their success in the air was due to their skill, teamwork, and determination.

One of their most memorable missions took place on August 17, 1943. They were assigned to escort a group of B-17 bombers to their target in Germany. Despite facing heavy enemy resistance, they managed to protect the bombers and successfully deliver their cargo. For their bravery and skill, Don Gentile and John Godfrey were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star, respectively.

In addition to their combat duties, Don Gentile and John Godfrey also played an important role in raising money for the war effort. They organized a charity flight that raised over $100,000 for the United Service Organization (USO) and participated in a variety of other fundraising events.

After the war, Don Gentile and John Godfrey continued to fly together, eventually becoming members of the American Air Force Reserve. They retired from the military in 1960, but their legacy as ace pilots and wartime heroes lived on. They were inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1976 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2009.

Don Gentile and John Godfrey's story is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of American servicemen and women during World War II. Their partnership in the air and their commitment to the cause of freedom are an inspiration to generations to come.

ISBN-13: 9781399020749