10 Apr 2002 Dear Jim - It has taken a long time to say this, but I miss you and miss the chance to know the man and father you would have become. I always looked up to you and your death devastated all of us who knew you and loved you. Your presence was so strong last spring at China Lake - I knew you would be there. You will always be forever in my mind like the last time I saw you in Maryland just before you left. You had a mission and knew what you were going to do, we were left with some letters, tears and sadness. I guess it's always that way with wars. Now that I have two sons of my own I don't know if I could be as brave as you and your parents were. If anyone else reads this and knew you over there, I know they know how special you were and I would like them to email me. Love, Beth

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 16 Apr 1967 five men died when UH-1B tail number 63-08736 of B Troop, 1/9 Cavalry, was shot down. Three of the men were assigned to B/1/9; the fourth was the Squadron's Flight Surgeon; and the fifth was an Air Force officer attached as a liaison officer. WO James W. Godfrey, Jefferson, ME, pilot, B/1/9 Cav CPT William R. Hill, Kenosha, WI, copilot, B/1/9 Cav SP4 Johnny W. Smith, Monongah, WV, crew chief, B/1/9 Cav CPT Karl E. Shenep, Memphis, TN, Flight Surgeon, HHT, 1/9 Capt Vandiver L. Childs, USAF, Paris, TN, observer, 37th Tac Ftr Wing Captain Shenep's replacement, Captain Hal Kushner, was involved in a fatal helicopter incident on 30 November 1967 when he was the sole survivor from UH-1D 66-00909. Captain Kushner was captured and spent 5-1/2 years as a prisoner in South and then North Vietnam before being released on 16 March 1973. Information on that loss can be found on 1LT Griffin B. Bedworth's memorial.

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