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Theodore Johnson (Tuskegee Airman) facts for kids

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Theodore Johnson
Theodore Johnson (Tuskegee Airmen).jpg
Theodore Johnson 1944
Born (1924-03-22)March 22, 1924
Died February 16, 2020(2020-02-16) (aged 95)
San Antonio, Texas
Buried
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army Air Force
Years of service 1943-1949
Awards

Theodore Johnson (born March 22, 1924, died February 16, 2020) was an American soldier. He served during World War II. He was also a special kind of pilot called a Tuskegee Airman. These brave pilots were African American and made history.

Theodore's Early Life

Theodore Johnson went to Dunbar High School in Temple, Texas. He finished school on June 6, 1941.

Military Service in World War II

In 1943, Johnson was called to join the army. He was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia. The next year, in 1944, he went to Jefferson Barracks Military Post in St. Louis, Missouri. There, he received his basic training.

In April 1944, he traveled to Scotland. By July, he arrived at Omaha Beach on a large tank landing ship. From there, he journeyed across France, Belgium, and Germany. On July 5, 1945, he returned to Boston, Massachusetts, after leaving LeHavre, France.

Johnson decided to join the army again on January 26, 1946. He was later stationed at Lockbourne Air Base in Ohio. Because of this, he is officially known as a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman (DOTA).

Life After the War

After his military service, Theodore Johnson often spoke to groups. He shared his amazing experiences as a Tuskegee Airman. People knew him for his excellent memory. He could remember many details about his travels and assignments.

In 2005, Johnson and other Tuskegee Airmen visited their old unit. This was the 332nd Fighter Group, located in Balad, Iraq. Johnson once said, "War is hell. Don't nobody tell you that war is not hell. Anybody tell you he wasn't afraid, he's a lie."

In his later years, he often took part in special events. These events honored him and all the Tuskegee Airmen. In 2018, he went on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He traveled with 50 other veterans from Austin. He also received a painted portrait of himself. This happened at the "Portraits of Patriots Art Show" at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

Family Life

Theodore Johnson and his wife had nine children together. He passed away at his home in San Antonio, Texas. After his death, only two living Tuskegee Airmen remained in San Antonio.

Awards and Recognition

  • Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006. This is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.

See Also

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