Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Leon
William
Johnson
September 13, 1904

–

November 10, 1997

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Leon Johnson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1926. He was one of five men (and one of only two survivors) to received the Medal of Honor for actions in the historic August 1, 1943, low-level bombing mission against Ploesti. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, earning the Medal of Honor and Silver Star among other awards, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1961, but was recalled to duty, and finally retired in 1965 as a U.S. Air Force 4-Star General.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 20 (May 6, 1952)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Major General Leon William Johnson (AFSN: 88A/0-16429), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the 3d Air Division, London, England, from 1948 to 1952. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Johnson and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    44th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    9th Air Force (Attached)

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1943
    War Department, General Orders No. 54, September 7, 1943

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Colonel (Air Corps) Leon William Johnson (AFSN: 88A/0-16429), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry in action and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Headquarters, 44th Bombardment Group (H), Ninth Air Force (Detached from the Eighth Air Force) in action on 1 August 1943. Colonel Johnson, as commanding officer of a heavy bombardment group, let the formation of the aircraft of his organization constituting the fourth element of the mass low-level bombing attack of the Ninth U.S. Air Force against the vitally important enemy target of the Ploesti oil refineries in Rumania. While proceeding to the target on this 2,400-mile flight, his element became separated from the leading elements of the mass formation in maintaining the formation of the unit while avoiding dangerous cumulous cloud conditions encountered over mountainous territory. Though temporarily lost, he reestablished contact with the third element and continued on the mission with this reduced force to the prearranged point of attack, where it was discovered that the target assigned to Colonel Johnson’s group had been attacked and damaged by a preceding element. Though having lost the element of surprise upon which the safety and success of such a daring form of mission in heavy bombardment aircraft so strongly depended, Colonel Johnson elected to carry out his planned low-level attack despite the thoroughly alerted defenses, the destructive anti-aircraft fire, enemy fighter airplanes, the imminent danger of exploding delayed action bombs from the previous element, of oil fires and explosions, and of intense smoke obscuring the target. By his gallant courage, brilliant leadership, and superior flying skill, Colonel Johnson so led his formation as to destroy totally the important refining plants and installations which were the object of his mission. Colonel Johnson’s personal contribution to the success of this historic raid, and the conspicuous gallantry in action, and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty demonstrated by him on this occasion constitute such deeds of valor and distinguished service as have during our Nation’s history formed the finest traditions of our Armed Forces.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    1961 – 1965
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. GB-70 (1965)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to General Leon William Johnson (AFSN: 88A/0-16429), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Director, Net Evaluation Subcommittee Staff/National Security Council, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C., from 1961 to 1965. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Johnson culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    14th Combat Wing

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    1943 – 1944
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    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 (Air Corps) Leon William Johnson (AFSN: 88A/0-16429), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, 14th Combat Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, from 1943 to 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Johnson and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    44th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    February 16, 1943
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 30 (March 13, 1943)

    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 (Air Corps) Leon William Johnson (AFSN: 88A/0-16429), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Command Pilot of a B-24 Liberator Bomber and as Commanding Officer of the 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy while leading a group of bombardment airplanes on a combat mission over enemy-occupied Continental Europe, 16 February 1943. Colonel Johnson, displaying great courage and superlative leadership, directed the bombing attack from the leading airplane and accomplished his mission against extremely heavy opposition. The bravery and superior leadership displayed by Colonel Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    14th Combat Wing

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 14 & 17, 1943
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) Leon William Johnson (AFSN: 88A/0-16429), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding General, 14th Combat Wing, EIGHTH Air Force while leading his Bombardment Group on two highly successful bombing missions over enemy territory on 14 May and 17 May 1943. Colonel Johnson personally directed each of these missions from his position as Co-Pilot of the leading airplane. Displaying exceptional courage and outstanding leadership, Colonel Johnson, on each occasion, led his Group through determined enemy fighter opposition to successfully bomb an important military objective. The courage and leadership displayed by Colonel Johnson on these occasions are an inspiration to all members of his command and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    General

    Action Date:

    May 1, 1958 – July 31, 1961
    Department of the Air Force, Special Orders No. G-105 (October 4, 1961)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to General Leon William Johnson (AFSN: 88A/0-16429), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Air Deputy to the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, from 1 May 1958 to 31 July 1961. The superb ability, outstanding diplomacy and strong personal dedication displayed by General Johnson were predominant factors in the attainment of many North Atlantic Treaty Organization objectives which markedly advanced the military strength and readiness of the alliance. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Johnson culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    14th Combat Wing

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 23, 1943 – April 15, 1945
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    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 (Air Corps) Leon William Johnson (AFSN: 88A/0-16429), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Command Pilot of B-24 formations of the 14th Combat Wing, EIGHTH Air Force, on many missions over enemy and enemy occupied territory from 23 January 1943 to 15 April 1945. Operating from two Theaters, General Johnson has skillfully and with superior airmanship led Heavy Bombardment formations through strong enemy defenses to targets of deep penetrations. General Johnson has displayed sound judgment and superior tactical skill to contribute immeasurably toward the successful completion of these many missions with a minimum of loss. The outstanding leadership, courage, and skill exhibited by General Johnson on all occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.