[1] 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.

[2] As a member of the 4th Fighter Group within the Eighth Air Force of the USAAF, Godfrey was friend and wingman to Don Gentile.

[3][4] Together, they were known as "Captains Courageous", "The Two Man Air Force", "Messerschmitt Killers", or "Damon and Pythias".

[5] Godfrey achieved 18 air-to-air kills against the Luftwaffe until August 24, 1944, when he was accidentally shot down by a wingman and captured by the Germans.

After the war, Godfrey served in the Rhode Island Senate where he represented West Greenwich.