WCA May 2009

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Elmer ‘Ace’ Godwin remembered

his BS degree in engineering. He then went to work as a civilian for the US Army. Ace became a leading international lecturer and authority on wire and cable engineering, and contributed signifi- cantly to the growing International Wire and Cable Symposium, which was also head-quartered at Fort Monmouth. His migration to the leadership of the IWCS was viewed as a natural step in his dedication to the industry and to his interest in advancements in the technology. The list of organisations to which Ace dedicated his time and service is extensive, and his service to his country was ultimately recognised with the award of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. John writes, “On a personal note, Ace continued to ‘look over my shoulder’ at the operations of the IWCS. He always knew when I was in the office in Eatontown, and would stop by to say hello and visit for a few minutes.

John Barteld, CEO and director of IWCS, writes that the wire and cable industry lost a legendary leader and friend when Elmer ‘Ace’ Godwin, former CEO and director, passed away in late February. An electronics engineer, Ace worked with the US Army Electronics Com- mand research and development laboratories at Fort Monmouth, NJ. Upon his retirement from the Army in 1979, Ace joined the International Wire and Cable Symposium as its CEO/Director. Ace led the IWCS for 23 years, retiring in 2002. Joining the US Army early in the war, Ace became a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, the all black 223 rd Fighter Squadron. Ace distinguished himself during his service to the country, being awarded a Good Conduct Medal and the Distinguished Unit Badge while serving in Italy. After the war, Ace continued his pursuit of education, first at Monmouth College and eventually at Rutgers University, where he received

Elmer ‘Ace’ Godwin m m 

“He was keenly interested in the success of the IWCS and always available to offer a kind word of advice, or just to offer encouragement when obstacles loomed. I shall miss him.” A scholarship fund was endowed at Rutgers University upon Ace’s retirement from the IWCS. Details about donating to the fund in his honour are available from the IWCS.

IWCS – USA Fax : +1 732 389 0991 Website : www.iwcs.org

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Wire & Cable ASIA – May/June 2009