Gerald W. Johnson (military officer)
Gerald Walter Johnson (July 10, 1919 – September 9, 2002) was a lieutenant general in the United States Air Force and a World War II flying ace. Enlisting in 1941, Johnson served as a fighter pilot in Europe, and was credited with shooting down 16.5 enemy aircraft 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.
Gerald Walter Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Jerry |
| Born | 10 July 1919 Owenton, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | 9 September 2002 (aged 83) St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Army Air Corps United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941–1974 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Unit | 56th Fighter Group |
| Commands held | 63d Fighter Squadron 508th Strategic Fighter Wing 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing 95th Bombardment Wing 305th Bombardment Wing 825th Air Division 1st Strategic Aerospace Division Eighth Air Force |
| Battles/wars | World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (3) Distinguished Flying Cross (5) Air Medal (5) |
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