Colonel Johnson got his first aerial victory during World War II while flying with the 9th Air Force. During the Korean War he became a Double-Ace with 10 victories in that war, bringing his total in the two wars to eleven aerial victories. His exploits during the Korean War prompted Stars and Stripes to dub the F-86 pilot “The Mayor of Sabre Jet City,” and when he married his wife, Sylvia, in 1979, U.S. statesman Barry Goldwater was his best man. He retired in 1973 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.
Sponsored by:
James
Kenneth
Johnson
May 30, 1916
–
August 22, 1997
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelBatallion:
335th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronRegiment:
4th Fighter-Interceptor GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
May 17, 1953
Headquarters, Far East Air Force: General Orders No. 409 (November 12, 1953)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel James Kenneth Johnson (ASN: 0-4013A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United Nations as Pilot of an F-86 aircraft of the 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 17 May 1953. While flying as Element Leader in a counter-air patrol deep in enemy-held North Korea, Colonel Johnson sighted a MiG heading northwest and made an attack, scoring multiple hits on the left wing and fuselage of the enemy aircraft. As the MiG slowed, Colonel Johnson rolled around it, and called in his wingman who finished the kill. During the encounter, his wingman had been hit and lost all aileron control. Providing protective cover for his crippled wingman, Colonel Johnson drove off one attacking enemy aircraft and maneuvered away from others. Although dangerously low on fuel, colonel Johnson covered the damaged F-86 until they were safely over water, where his wingman bailed out. Colonel Johnson then proceeded to his home base, flaming out thirty miles from the field. By precise control and outstanding flying ability, Colonel Johnson was able to bring his aircraft in without damage. Through his high personal courage and gallantry in placing the safety of his wingman above his own, Colonel Johnson reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
February 16, 1957 – July 31, 1959
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel James Kenneth Johnson (ASN: 0-4013A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 16 February 1957 to 31 July 1959, as Commander, 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Medium (Jet). During this period, Colonel Johnson demonstrated exceptional initiative, foresight and resourcefulness in significantly increasing the operational capability of his command. Due to his aggressive and competent leadership, aircrews under his command were brought to optimum proficiency permitting the performance of missions of exceptional importance to the United States. The exemplary judgment, personal endeavor and superior knowledge of reconnaissance operations displayed by Colonel Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
November 11, 1952 – July 24, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel James Kenneth Johnson (ASN: 0-4013A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, from 11 November 1952 to 24 July 1953. While he commanded that wing, records were established that represented an inordinately high level of effectiveness. More enemy losses were inflicted during that period than any like period of the Korean air war. Indicative of the able leadership of Colonel Johnson was his personal destruction of ten enemy MiG type aircraft in spite of numerous and varied responsibilities assigned to him. A sound administrator, as well as a skillful air tactician, Colonel Johnson directed a cohesive and well coordinated command that carried out with exceptional success its assigned primary mission of destroying enemy aircraft. Possessing excellent perception, drive and a wealth of technical experience, Colonel Johnson directed the many aspects of training in the Wing with the result that a productive program was established. The achievements of Colonel Johnson in a position of considerable responsibility, and the manner in which the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing under his command, aided in dominating the enemy air force, reflected the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelBatallion:
335th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronRegiment:
4th Fighter-Interceptor WingAction Date:
February 19, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel James Kenneth Johnson (ASN: 0-4013A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an F-86 aircraft of the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against the enemy in Korea on 19 February 1953. While leading a flight of four F-86 aircraft near Imsan-don, Korea, Colonel Johnson sighted several enemy MiG-15 aircraft, which immediately turned away. Colonel Johnson promptly initiated pursuit, intercepting the enemy formation in their turn, and attacked the trailing aircraft. This prompted a series of fanatical evasive maneuvers by the MiG. Colonel Johnson tenaciously adhered to his swift adversary during the ensuing air battle, brilliantly outmaneuvering the enemy until, with one long accurate burst of fire, hits were scored in the engine, canopy and wing section, causing the MiG to slow down and falter momentarily. Not relenting his withering barrage, Colonel Johnson pressed his attack until a series of violent internal explosions erupted within the enemy aircraft, blowing large chunks off the right side of the fuselage. The MiG then crossed the Yalu River in a vertical dive, burning profusely and leaving behind a long trail of dense black smoke. By his action in destroying one enemy aircraft, coupled with his intense devotion to duty, Colonel Johnson has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelBatallion:
335th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronRegiment:
4th Fighter-Interceptor GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
June 30, 1953
Headquarters, Far East Air Forces: General Orders No. 409 (November 12, 1953)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force) to Colonel James Kenneth Johnson (AFSN: 0-4013A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter of the 335th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 30 June 1953. Colonel Johnson was leading a flight of four F-86 aircraft deep within enemy territory when a flight of twelve enemy MiG aircraft was sighted at an altitude of thirty-five thousand feet. Colonel Johnson immediately initiated a forceful attack and concentrated on destroying one of the enemy aircraft. Closing on the single MiG, Colonel Johnson held his fire until he was within twelve hundred feet, at which time he scored numerous hits on the wing and fuselage of the enemy aircraft. To assure that he did not lose his tactical advantage, and with full knowledge of the potential danger from the other MiGs in the enemy flight, Colonel Johnson continued on his attack. With unswerving singleness of purpose, Colonel Johnson began firing from a range of six hundred feet, continuing his devastating barrage until he was only fifty feet from the enemy aircraft, at which time it began to burn and disintegrate. Only then did Colonel Johnson turn to face the fire of the other MiGs. While expertly maneuvering to escape the attacking enemy aircraft, Colonel Johnson experienced a loss of engine power which later proved to be the result of damage caused by debris from the destroyed enemy aircraft. In spite of the handicap of a disabled aircraft, he valiantly turned to attack the enemy MiGs, and by superb airmanship and aggressiveness, outmaneuvered them until they withdrew from the area. Colonel Johnson then brought his disabled aircraft back to base. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Johnson on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelBatallion:
335th Fighter-Interceptor SquadronRegiment:
4th Fighter-Interceptor WingDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
June 30, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel James Kenneth Johnson (ASN: 0-4013A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 30 June 1953 in aerial combat against enemies of the United Nations in Korea as pilot of an F-86 aircraft of the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force. Colonel Johnson was leading a flight of four F-86 aircraft, deep within enemy territory, when a flight of four enemy MiG aircraft were sighted. Singling out one of the MiG’s as his target, he immediately initiated a vicious attack, opening fire at a range of 1,200 feet, scoring many hits on the wing and fuselage. Pressing his attack further, Colonel Johnson closed to 600 feet and continued his devastating barrage until, at a range of only 95 feet, the MiG began to smoke, burn, and disintegrate, and the Communist pilot ejected. As Colonel Johnson expertly maneuvered away from the fire of two other approaching enemy aircraft, he noted that his engine was faltering, which later proved to be caused by debris from the destroyed enemy aircraft. In spite of this handicap, Colonel Johnson skillfully out-maneuvered the attacking MiG’s, which flew to the north. Utilizing his vast experience and knowledge of aeronautics, he then successfully navigated his disabled aircraft to his home base and landed safely. The extreme courage, devotion to duty, and flying ability displayed by Colonel Johnson on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel James Kenneth Johnson (ASN: 0-4013A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane and Commanding Officer of a Fighter Group in the NINTH Air Force during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.