28 Nov 2003 Sgt. Earl Godman and I were stationed at Rach Kein, Vietnam together as part of the 5th Bn, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. He was an NCO in Delta Company and I was an NCO in Alpha Co. He joined our elite battalion 10 Jan 1969. Although serving in different companies, we were friends at the NCO club and around the base camp. Our companies were competitive in achieving the highest combat goals, but were always ready and willing to come to each other's aid when it was needed. Earl was one of several very brave men from around the battalion who were chosen to join the newly formed Recon Platoon in Echo Company. Our Alpha Co. gave up some of our men to this special group. I was worried about them and yet extremely proud that they got to pursue their dream of being part of the "Best of the Best". Sgt. Earl Godman was awarded the position of Platoon Sergeant. They were, without doubt, the pride of the battalion. That tragic 28 May 1969 day when the command group, including Sgt. Godman, perished under enemy fire will forever be etched in my memories. The entire battalion was shocked and saddened by this tragedy. We miss you and will always reflect back to our days as Vietnam Brothers -- then and forever more.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall E Company, 5/60 Infantry, lost five men on 28 May 1968: 1LT Patrick M. Dixon, Dixon, IL (Dist Svc Cross) SGT Earl A. Godman, Baltimore, MD SP5 David L. Tiffany, Riverside, CA (Dist Svc Cross, Silver Star) SP4 Marvin C. Briss, Binford, ND SP4 Dick E. Whitney, Newberg, OR SP5 Tiffany, a medic assigned to Headquarters Company but in the field with E Company, had previously been awarded the Silver Star. He and 1LT Dixon received the Distinguished Service Cross for their actions on 28 May. Earl Arthur Godman, Sergeant, United States Army, was buried on 09 June 1969 in Plot A 0 389B, Baltimore National Cemetery, Baltimore City, Maryland, among other men of courage and integrity.

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