US Army Sergeant Moody Carlos Godwin was born in Jay, Florida on July 23, 1920 to the union of Moody Sankey Godwin Sr. and Mattie Elizabeth Smith. Assigned to the American First Army with the 2nd Infantry Division, he and his unit landed at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France on June 7, 1944. The division crossed the Aure River where they attacked and liberated the village of Trevires three days later. Here they assaulted and captured the strongly fortified "Hill #192" that dominated the road to the strategic crossroads at St. Lo, France. This became known as the Battle of the Hedgerows. With the key city of St. Lo in American hands, the 2nd Division moved forward on July 26th heading for St. Jean des Baisants. Along the way they were confronted by German defenses that were built three hedgerows deep. The enemy were making a last ditch stand and bitterly opposing every hedgerow to the death. The relentless assault by the 2nd Division completely routed the enemy defenders turning the attack into a rout. It was along this street before the division reached the Vire River that Sergeant Godwin from Jay, Florida was killed in action on July 31, 1944. His body was returned home after the war and is buried in the Pine Level Cemetery in Jay, Florida. Many of his family are buried near Sgt. Godwin.
Pensacola News Journal article 4-19-1945
US Army Sergeant Moody Carlos
Godwin, KIA France, WWII
Gravesite of Sergeant Moody Carlos
Godwin, Pine Level Cemetery, Jay, FL
Mother Mattie Elizabeth Smith Godwin
as a 3rd teacher in Jay, Florida 7-18-1908
Anna Rachel Godwin Penton,
sister of Sgt. Godwin (1926-2006)