Robert Samuel Johnson (1920 - 1998)

Born 21 Feb 1920 in Lawton, Comanche, Oklahoma, United States

Died 27 Dec 1998 at age 78 in Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States

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Biography

Robert Johnson was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (United States).

Robert Johnson was awarded the Purple Heart.

Robert Johnson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (United States).

Robert Johnson was awarded the Silver Star Medal.

Ltc Robert Johnson served in the United States Army Air Forces in World War II
Service started: 1941
Unit(s): 8th Air Force
Service ended: 1958

Major Robert Samuel Johnson (Service No. O-661217) enlisted in 1941 and was assigned to the 56th Fighter Group. He travelled with them to England even though he was unqualified at the time to fly the P-47 Thunderbolt. However, he flew his first combat mission in April 1943 and claimed 27 aerial victories, becoming the first pilot to surpass First World War Ace Eddie Rickenbacker's record of 26 claims in May 1944. Johnson flew 91 missions with the 56th Fighter Group.

Awards Johnson received included the Distinguished Service Cross, Sliver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medals and a Purple Heart. After completing his tour of duty, he became an engineering executive and chief test pilot for Republic Aviation, maker of the P-47 “Thunderbolt” which was the plane he flew in Europe.

His Distinguished Service Cross was for service on March 15, 1944, when he courageously led a flight of fighter airplanes in an attack against a numerically superior and well-supported force of enemy fighters attempting to intercept a friendly bomber formation. Although more than thirty enemy fighters were in a favorable position above him, Captain Johnson, mindful only of his duty to protect the bombers led his flight of nine planes in an attack on another formation of more than forty enemy fighters then about to engage the bombers. During the engagement that followed, he personally destroyed three enemy fighters. With his extraordinary courage, aggressiveness, and determination to destroy the enemy and protect the bombers, Johnson rendered valorous and distinguished service to our nation. Captain Johnson's extreme valor in aerial combat reflected great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Force.

Robert Samuel Johnson began flying at age 13, with his father. After returning from WW2 as America's leading Ace, he participated in the War Bond promotion and remained in the Reserve forces until his retirement in 1958. He wrote and published a book covering his exploits, aptly named "Thunderbolt." The terminal of the Lawton Airport is named in his honor.

After retiring form the US Air Force Reserves, he became an insurance executive and lived the rest of his life in South Carolina.

• Distinguished Service Cross
• Sliver Star
• Purple Heart
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Air Medals

Sources

• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7535412/robert-samuel-johnson

https://www.americanairmuseum.com/person/195482

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/6114

https://www.okhistory.org/historycenter/militaryhof/inductee.php?id=90