This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Johnson, Gerald Walter, Lt Gen USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Owenton, Kentucky
Last Address Saint Petersburg, Florida
Date of Passing Sep 09, 2002
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
He destroyed 16.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat before he was shot down and became a POW in France Mar 27, 1944. He later had a distinguished career in the USAF.
His DSC citation: Awarded for actions during World War II
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Gerald W. Johnson (ASN: 0-659306), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 17 August 1943, in the European Theater of Operations On this date, Captain Johnson shot down two enemy aircraft and assisted in the destruction of a third. Captain Johnson's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
General Orders: Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 83 (1943)
Aircraft/Missile Information
RB-57D High-altitude reconnaissance aircraft
Notes: - Serial numbers: 53-3963 to 53-3982 - First flight was Nov. 3, 1955
SPECIFICATIONS: Span: 106 ft. 0 in. Length: 66+ ft. depending on variant Height: 15 ft. 7 in. Weight: Approx. 59,000 lbs. maximum takeoff weight Armament: None Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney J57-P-9 turbojets of 10,000 lbs. static thrust each Crew: One or two depending on variant
PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed: Approx. 600 mph at 45,000 ft. Cruising speed: Approx. 420 knots at 65,000 ft. Combat radius: Approx. 2,000 miles Service ceiling: Approx. 70,000 ft.
