Obituary of Robert John Godman

Captain Robert J. Godman, age 88, died on May 23, 2009. Robert was a 1940 graduate of Pitman High School. Entering the US Navy in 1942, he began his career in naval aviation in 1943. During this time, he made two combat tours to the Pacific Theatre as a dive-bomber pilot and won medals for meritorious service and the Purple Heart. After World War II, Captain Godman served as flight instructor. He was later instrumental in the flight test and development of the US Navy's Landing Systems and TACAN approach procedures, which were used in both military and commercial flight. From 1952-1957 Captain Godman furthered his education at the University of Pennsylvania, the Naval line School, Monterey, CA, and the Naval War College, Newport, RI. He then became Commanding Officer of Fighter Squadron EIGHTY-ONE, Oceana, VA. He also served as Plans Officer on board the USS Forrestal 1958-1960 and later assumed duty as Commander Air Wing Five, Miramar, CA. Captain Godman was later assigned to the National Military Command Center, Operations Directorate of the Office of Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, DC during the Kennedy Administration. Later tours of duty were served in Hawaii and Florida. After serving as Commanding Officer of Willow Grove Naval Air Station, he retired in 1973 and moved to Wenonah where he lived and enjoyed golfing, his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Sara (nee Meves), children Karan, Robert and Eileen and grandson Fletcher. Friends may call on Tuesday after 7pm in the KELLEY FUNERAL HOME, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Memorial service will be at 8pm. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memories may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com. Contributions may be made to Veteran's Memorial Home, 524 N. West Blvd., and Vineland, NJ 08360.