Gerald Walter Johnson (July 10, 1919 – September 9, 2002) was a lieutenant general in the United States Air Force and a World War IIflying ace.[1] Enlisting in 1941, Johnson served as a fighter pilot in Europe, and was credited with shooting down 16.5 enemy aircraft[2] before being shot down himself and taken prisoner. After the war, he continued his military career rising to command several fighter and bomber wings during the 1950s and 60s. He commanded the Eighth Air Force for a period during the Vietnam War, and retired in 1974 after serving as Inspector General of the Air Force.
Early life
Johnson was born in Owenton, a small town in northern Kentucky, on 10 July 1919.[3]
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]
^Freeman, Roger A. (1970). The Mighty Eighth: Units, Men and Machines (A History of the US 8th Army Air Force). London, England, UK: Macdonald and Company. p. 278. ISBN978-0-87938-638-2.
Freeman, Roger A. (1970). The Mighty Eighth: Units, Men and Machines (A History of the US 8th Army Air Force). London, England, UK: Macdonald and Company. ISBN978-0-87938-638-2.
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