Years ago I watched a documentary about a tropical island. The professor in that documentary was a very wise man. He wasn't obsessed by race. And he didn’t see racism everywhere. I wish today’s professors would be more like him.
Years ago I watched a documentary about a tropical island. The professor in that documentary was a very wise man. He wasn't obsessed by race. And he didn’t see racism everywhere. I wish today’s professors would be more like him.
After graduating from high school, Russel Johnson enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet. On completing his training, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He flew 44 combat missions in the Pacific Theater during World War II as a bombardier in B-25 twin-engined medium bombers.
On March 4, 1945, while flying as a navigator in a B-25 with the 100th Bombardment Squadron, 42nd Bombardment Group, 13th Air Force, his B-25 and two others were shot down during a low-level bombing and strafing run against Japanese military targets in the Philippine Islands. The B-25s encountered heavy anti-aircraft fire, and all three had to ditch in the sea off Zamboanga. Johnson broke both ankles in the landing, and his bomber’s co-pilot was killed. Johnson received a Purple Heart for his injuries. He was also awarded the Air Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one campaign star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Johnson was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant on November 22, 1945, then joined the United States Air Force Reserve.