Theodore Johnson (Tuskegee Airman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Theodore Johnson
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Theodore Johnson 1944
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| Born | March 22, 1924 |
| Died | February 16, 2020 (aged 95) San Antonio, Texas |
| Buried |
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1943-1949 |
| Awards |
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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.
Contents
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
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
