Lonnie Ortega Aviation Art

Capt. Robert S. Johnson

56th F.G. ~ (28.00)

Robert S. Johnson was born February 21, 1920 in Lawton, Oklahoma. He entered Aviation Cadet Program in Class 42-F on November 11, 1941. His Primary training was at Sikeston, Missouri, his basic was Randolph and he graduated from Kelly Field, July 3, 1942. He was assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, at Stratford, Connecticut on July 20, 1942. He flew P-47B’s in training. He sailed on the Queen Elizabeth and arrived in Scotland on January 13, 1943. He was amazed at how the RAF lasted so long when he saw Fairey Swordfish bi-planes flying over. He flew his first combat mission in April 1943. He was credited with his first aerial victory on June 6, 1943. Robert Johnson’s 27th and 28th victories came on May 8, 1944. He flew a total of 91 missions and was credited with 28 victories. Americas Ace of Ace Dick Bong and Bob Johnson flying a P-47 toured the United States during July and August of 1944 on speaking engagements. Johnson commanded an operational training unit for P-47’s at Abilene, Texas to end WWII. He later joined Republic Aviation in 1945. He left Republic in 1964 to join the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. Decorations: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, DFC w/8 OLC, Air Medal w/3 OLC, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation w/OLC, British DFC & Belgian Croix de Guerre with Palm.

Lt. Col. Robert S. Johnson passed away on Dec. 27, 1998.