Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Awarded on:

1944

"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) Gerald Richard Johnson (ASN: 0-428829), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 15 October 1943, during an air mission in the Southwest Pacific Area. When a large enemy force of 18 dive bombers accompanied by 20 fighters approached the area to attack shipping at Oro Bay, Major Johnson courageously led his squadron of eight airplanes to intercept the enemy flight. Against these overwhelming odds, he unhesitatingly attacked. During the fierce engagement which followed, Major Johnson shot down two enemy bombers and one enemy fighter. By this daring strike, he dispersed the enemy formation and diverted it from the target. Supporting squadrons of allied fighters then entered the combat and turned back the enemy force with no damage to our shipping or installations. In addition to destroying three enemy aircraft on this occasion, Major Johnson, by his heroism, diverted the enemy attack and saved much valuable cargo. Major 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 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 35

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Awarded on:

1945

"Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Gerald Richard Johnson (ASN: 0-428829), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 7 December 1944, during an air mission in the Southwest Pacific Area. On this date Major Johnson shot down four enemy aircraft in a single engagement. Major 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 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 87
--
Received as Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Awarded on:

1945

"Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Gerald Richard Johnson (ASN: 0-428829), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Johnson reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Awarded on:

1945

"Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Gerald Richard Johnson (ASN: 0-428829), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 7 October 1945. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson was in a B-17 that experienced problems forcing all aboard to parachute to safety. The aircraft was one parachute short, and Lieutenant Colonel Johnson gave the last one to one of the passengers, going down into the sea with the plane."

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 87 (posthumously)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

"Major (Air Corps) Gerald Richard Johnson (ASN: 0-428829), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against the enemy as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Action during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

"Major (Air Corps) Gerald Richard Johnson (ASN: 0-428829), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Action 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."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Second DFC received as Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Third DFC received as Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Fourth DFC received as Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Fifth DFC received as Bronze Oak Leaf

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Sixth DFC received as Silver Oak Leaf Cluster

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With two silver and one oak leaf clusters

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

1 silver en 3 bronze campaign stars

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

"Japan"

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

2 service stars

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)