a native of Owenton, Kentucky, entered military service in 1941 as an aviation cadet. He became a member of Col. "Hub" Zemke's famed Wolf Pack, the 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. He is credited with 18 air-to-air victories in 88 missions. After 15 months of combat, he was shot down and spent 13 months in a German P.O.W. camp.
Gen. Johnson remained in service after WWII, holding many command assignments. He became Inspector General of the Air Force, directed the U.S. Air Force counterintelligence program and was responsible for security policy. He was also involved in the development of in-flight refueling. He holds many decorations and service awards, including the Distinguished Service Cross. His autobiography, "Called to Command", was published in 1996.