Theodore Johnson (Tuskegee Airman)

Lt. Col Theodore Johnson (March 22, 1924 - February 16, 2020) from San Antonio, Texas, is a member of the famed group of World War II-era African-Americans known as the Tuskegee Airmen. He was a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007.[2]

Lieutenant Colonel

Theodore Johnson
Theodore O.J. Johnson 1944
Nickname(s)O.J.
Born(1924-03-22)March 22, 1924
DiedFebruary 16, 2020(2020-02-16) (aged 95)
San Antonio, Texas[1]
Buried
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery[1]
Allegiance United States
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Force
Years of service1943-1946
RankLieutenant colonel
Unit332nd Fighter Group
Awards
Relations9 children

Military service

World War II
The Tuskegee Airmen's aircraft had distinctive markings that led to the name, "Red Tails."[N 1]

In 1943 Johnson was drafted and sent to Fort Benning, GA. In 1944 he arrived in St. Louis, MO, Jefferson Barracks Military Post, for basic training. In April 1944 he was sent to Scotland and in July to Omaha Beach.[4] Johnson was a member of the 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group.[5]

Awards
  • Congressional Gold Medal (2007)[2]

Education
  • Dunbar High School June 6, 1941[4]

Personal life

He and his wife had 9 children.[6]

See also

Further reading
  • The Tuskegee Airmen: An Illustrated History, 1939-1949[7]

References
  1. Foster, Jordan (February 25, 2020). "SA Tuskegee Airman dies at 95". News Center Maine. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  2. Rangel, Charles B. (April 11, 2006). "Tuskegee Airmen Gold Medal Signed Into Law". Press Release. United States House of Representatives. Retrieved November 26, 2008.
  3. Rice, Markus. "The Men and Their Airplanes: The Fighters." Tuskegee Airmen, 1 March 2000.
  4. "Theodore Johnson". Caf Rise Above. CAF Rise Above. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  5. Flinn, Jeff B. (June 11, 2015). "Surviving members of legendary Tuskegee Airmen take to the skies". San Antonio Express News. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  6. Durain, Leah (February 11, 2019). "Tuskegee Airman shares moments from history". KENS-TV. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  7. Caver, Joseph; Ennels, Jerome A.; Haulman, Daniel Lee (2011). The Tuskegee Airmen: An Illustrated History, 1939-1949. Montgomery: New South Books. p. 394. ISBN 978-1588382443. Retrieved February 6, 2020.

Notes
  1. The red markings that distinguished the Tuskegee Airmen included red bands on the noses of P-51s as well as a red rudder; their P-51B and D Mustangs flew with similar color schemes, with red propeller spinners, yellow wing bands and all-red tail surfaces.[3]
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