Major Gerald W. Johnson
P-47D "In the Mood"
By Sir Ernie Hamilton Boyette
Print size 12x18"
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Major Gerald W. Johnson
Story and artwork by; Sir Ernie Hamilton Boyette
Gerald
Walter Johnson was born on July 10, 1919 in Owenton, Kentucky. He left collage
in September 1941 to enter the aviation cadet-training program to become an Army
Air Corp pilot. He received his pilot’s wings and was commissioned as a second
lieutenant in April 1942 at Ellington Field, Texas.
Johnson
was then assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th
Fighter Group. His training with the
group was at Mitchell Field, New York which gave him experience flying the P-36,
P-40 and the P-38. They were then transferred to Bridgeport, Connecticut where
they were to receive the first P-47 delivered to a tactical unit.
The
group was sent to England and stationed at Kings Cliffe, which was a new wartime
airfield still under construction in January 1943. In April 1943 the group was
transferred to Horsham St. Faith, which was located near the city of Norwich.
When
the 56th Fighter Group, flew its first mission Gerald was in the
flight. Their mission was a fighter sweep over the western border of Belgium and
France. Gerald flew wing for the commander, Colonel Hub Zemke.
Johnson
experienced his first aerial combat by damaging an FW 190 on May 14, 1943
northeast of Antwerp. Gerald fired on the Focke Wulf 190 and saw bright flashes
strike the enemy aircraft in the cockpit area. Looking around Gerald saw two
Focke Wulf’s was closing in on his Thunderbolt with one German ready to fire.
Johnson broke off his attack on the FW-190 not knowing if the German fighter he
hit went down or not.
Johnson
claimed his first aerial victory on June 26th by downing an FW 190
north of Dieppe. In early August Gerald claimed two 109’s and was promoted to
Captain on August 10, 1943. He then shared in the downing of a Bf 110 on the 17th
and downed another Bf 109 on the 19th.
Johnson
became the group’s first ace on October 10th with the downing of a
Bf 110 and a Bf 210 in a battle north of Munster. Johnson was sent to the 360th
Fighter Squadron to train the new group with his combat experiences. While
working with the 360th Johnson claimed another aerial victory of a FW
190 on January 24, 1944.
Johnson
returned to the 56th Fighter Group to become commander of the 63rd
Fighter Squadron where he scored seven more aerial victories. On March 27th
1944, Johnson flew his last mission while flying escort for bombers. After the
bomb run, Johnson led his fighters down to look for targets of opportunity.
Johnson
spotted a freight train and descended with his guns ripping into the rolling
stock. Explosions rocked the train as Johnson pulled up. Looking back he saw his
men getting devastating strikes as well.
Johnson
came around for another pass. As he approached the train he was unaware that the
train was equipped with antiaircraft defensive guns. As Johnson lined up on the
train the AA-guns lined up on his Thunderbolt. Enemy fire struck his engine
knocking it out completely. Flying at only 200 feet off the ground, Johnson
pulled up over the train and headed for a group of trees.
The plane was coming down and Johnson
fought the controls to keep the aircraft stable. The heavy P-47 mashed down into
the tops of the trees and came out over a plowed field where it hit and skidded
to a stop. Gerald was captured and held as a POW for the duration of the war
until he was liberated in May 1945.
Johnson
returned to the 56th Fighter Group at Selfridge Field Michigan where
he commanded the 62nd Fighter Squadron.
He chose to stay in the Air Corp thought the transition to the new Air
Force continuing his college education. He was promoted to brigadier general on
November 1, 1965.
Johnson
later commanded three air divisions as Lieutenant General and was Commander of
the Eight Air Force during the last three years of the Viet Nam War. Johnson was
serving as Inspector General of the Air Force when he retired in September 1974.
Johnson
was credited with 18 ½ aerial victories, one probable, and 4 ½ damaged.
He earned the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal
with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters,
Distinguished Flying Cross with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Air Medal with
4 OLCs, Air Force and Army Commendation Medals and the French Croix De Guerre
with Silver Star.
Gerald Johnson and Artist.
All research, writings and artwork are by Sir Ernie Hamilton Boyette.
No one is permitted to republish any part of this story with out my personal permission.
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Sir. Ernie Hamilton Boyette
904-406-5791
Posted 2-10-07