For conspicuous gallantry in action and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on
1 August 1943. Colonel Johnson, as commanding officer of a heavy
bombardment group, led the formation of the aircraft of his organization
constituting the fourth element of the mass low level bombing attack of
the Ninth United States Air Force against the vitally important enemy
target of the Ploesti oil refineries. While proceeding to the target on
this 2,400-mile flight his element became separated from the leading
elements of the mass formation in maintaining the formation of the unit
while avoiding dangerous cumulous cloud conditions encountered over
mountainous territory. Though temporarily lost he reestablished contact
with the third element and continued on the mission with this reduced
force to the prearranged point of attack, where it was discovered that
the target assigned to Colonel Johnson's group had been attacked and
damaged by a preceding element. Though having lost the element of
surprise upon which the safety and success of such a daring form of
mission in heavy bombardment aircraft so strongly depended, Colonel
Johnson elected to carry out his planned low level attack despite the thoroughly alerted defenses, the destructive antiaircraft
fire, enemy fighter airplanes, the imminent danger of exploding delayed
action bombs from the previous element, of oil fires and explosions, and
of intense smoke obscuring the target. By his gallant courage, brilliant
leadership, and superior flying skill, Colonel Johnson so led his
formation as to destroy totally the important refining plants and
installations which were the object of his mission. Colonel Johnson's
personal contribution to the success of this historic raid, and the
conspicuous gallantry in action, and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty demonstrated by him on this occasion
constitute such deeds of valor and distinguished service as have during
our nation's history formed the finest traditions of our armed forces.
Thanks for this information to internet USAF Museum