Posted on 05/27/2020 8:13:12 PM PDT by Galactic Overlord-In-Chief
Former Texas Rep. Sam Johnson, a military pilot who spent years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam before serving more than two decades in Congress, died Wednesday at age 89.
The conservative Republican, who lived in the northern Dallas suburb of Plano, died at a Plano hospital of natural causes unrelated to the coronavirus outbreak, said his former spokesman, Ray Sullivan.
Johnson flew nearly 100 combat missions in Korea and Vietnam. He was flying a bombing mission in 1966 when he was shot down and wounded. He was imprisoned in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" for nearly seven years, mostly in solitary confinement. He retired from the Air Force as a colonel in 1979, after a 29-year career.
The ardent conservative and anti-communist was elected to Congress in 1991 after six years in the Texas House of Representatives. He vowed to stay a maximum of 12 years, though he served more than double that.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
GODspeed Mr. Johnson.
An actual hero, unlike that guy who’s name I won’t mentioned. RIP
When I was a stationed at Laughlin, in Texas, I knew two O-6s, who spent time in the Hanoi Hilton. They were very interesting guys, to say the least.
I am sure he is also welcoming Congressman Sam Johnson to his permanent duty station on high. Rest easy Sir!
I remember shaking his hand a couple of times after meetings, and his hand was so deformed from torture, it was painful.
He really loved God, truly loved his family, really loved liberty, truly loved America, and was one of the most humble people I have ever met.
We have lost a real patriot. Younger generations are so clueless.
But he is finally home with the God he loved!
Was he a guest at the Hanoi Hilton during the same time as Songbird McCain?
One of these is an American Hero, the other is a traitor.
I first met Sam at Albrook AFB, Canal Zone in 1958, when he was across the street at a party for the Thunderbirds. My father took some photos of that event. Years after that Sam was shot down over Vietnam, dislocating both his shoulders as he ejected at high speed. He was a POW for many years.
When he was a congressman I got to talk to him for a bit. Later, I realized that I had forgotten to tell him that I had photos of him at that party many years ago. I called his office and told the secretary about them. Not 20 minutes later I got a personal call from Sam, asking if I would send those photos to him. They went out express mail the following day and he send a sincere note of thanks for a return to the better days.
I received an autographed copy of his book, which I read and cried.
Sam was a true hero; a true patriot. Prayers up, Sam.
I got to talk to Sam several times at different events and times. When the subject of that Senator came up he would switch the subject.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.