Military careerThanks so much for your service, Mr. Johnson!
After high school, in the midst of World War II, Johnson joined the United States Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He flew 44 combat missions as a bombardier in B-25 bombers. While flying as a navigator in a B-25 with the 100th Bombardment Squadron, 42nd Bombardment Group, 13th Air Force, his plane and two other B-25s were shot down in the Philippines in March 1945 during a low level bombing and strafing run against Japanese targets. The planes were hit by intense flak and had to ditch in the waters off the port of Zamboanga. During the ditching, he broke both his ankles and the radioman next to him was killed. Johnson earned a Purple Heart for this mission. He was also awarded the Air Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three service stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one service star, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged with the rank of first lieutenant on November 22, 1945. He then joined the Army Reserve and used the GI Bill to fund his acting studies at the Actors Lab in Hollywood.
Imagine that!An American Hero coming out of Hollywood.In his case Hollywood came after his Service but its still nice to see and read about his military exploits.
Unlike Hollywood today,During the Second World War a lot of Athletes and actors were proud to serve their country in the military.
Today its up to some poor middle class guy to sign up.
Good. You got the details. I knew he was in the Pacific and it involved planes, but I thought he was landing them from the ground, not flying!
Ruhe in frieden.