Gerald W. Johnson (military officer)
Gerald Walter Johnson | |
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Gerald Walter Johnson (July 10, 1919 – September 9, 2002) was a
Early life
Johnson was born in Owenton, a small town in northern Kentucky, on 10 July 1919.[3]
He was a graduate of Boston University and did graduate work at George Washington University.[4]
World War II
In 1941, he entered service with the
Strategic Air Command
After the war, he was associated with the fighter forces of
In 1965, he became the commander of the
After another staff tour with SAC headquarters, he became commander of the
Decorations
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Distinguished Service Cross |
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster
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Legion of Merit with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Distinguished Flying Cross with four bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Bronze Star
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Air Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Air Force Commendation Medal
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Army Commendation Medal |
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Air Force Presidential Unit Citation |
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American Defense Service Medal |
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American Campaign Medal |
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European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
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World War II Victory Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star |
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campaign stars
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Air Force Longevity Service Award with silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters
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Croix de Guerre, with silver star (France) |
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Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
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Vietnam Campaign Medal |
Distinguished Service Cross citation
- Johnson, Gerald W.
- Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces
- 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force
- Date of Action: August 17, 1943
- Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Gerald Walter Johnson, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, Eighth Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 17 August 1943, in action over continental Europe, 17 August 1943, while serving as a flight leader in a mission escorting withdrawing bombers. Through the aggressiveness, courage, and persistent attacks of the flight led by Captain Johnson, the withdrawal of bombers escorted by his flight was successfully accomplished. Though repeatedly attacked by enemy aircraft, Captain Johnson, through initiative, resourcefulness, and leadership adequately protected his convoy and personally destroyed two enemy aircraft and assisted in the destruction of a third. Captain Johnson, by his repeated acceptance of heavy odds and by his aggressive spirit in the attack, has been an inspiration to his fellow pilots and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.[8]
Military
- Command and General Staff School
- National War College[4]
Aeronautical ratings
- Command pilotwings
- Senior Missile Badge[4]
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-8131-5996-6.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-61060-702-5.
- ^ Scheibner, Hildegard (13 September 2002). "Flying 'ace' flew 88 missions in WW II". Herald Tribune. Sarasota, FL. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Biography, Lieutenant General Gerald W. Johnson". United States Air Force. January 1, 1974. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
- ISBN 978-0-87938-638-2.
- ISBN 978-1-78200-478-3.
- ISBN 978-0-912799-12-4.
- ^ "Gerald W. Johnson". Military Times of Valor. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
Bibliography
- ISBN 978-0-87938-638-2.
- Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947–1977. Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 978-0-912799-12-4.
External links
- "Biography, Lieutenant General Gerald W. Johnson". United States Air Force. January 1, 1974. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
- "Gerald Walter Johnson". American Air Museum in Britain. Imperial War Museums. Retrieved 2018-11-01.
