American Aces and Their Planes

Maj. Robert S. Johnson, 61st FS, 56th FG, Eighth Air Force

Johnson was part of the original contingent of 56th FG pilots to deploy to England. He served in the same squadron and closely competed with the European Theater's leading ace, Lt. Col. Francis "Gabby" Gabreski. Gabresi finished his combat career with 28 kills to Johnson's tally of 27. Johnson was promoted to major and became CO of the 62d FS just before finishing his tour and being sent stateside to sell war bonds.

His decorations included the DSC, Silver Star, 9 DFCs, 4 Air Medals, the Purple Heart, and the United Kingdom DFC.

ILLUSTRATIONS: (1) 2d Lt. Bob Johnson tangles with a Fw-190A in his 61st FS P-47C "Half Pint" and is nearly shot down, which would have prematurely ended his tour in June 1943. (2) The Fw-190A pilot stares at Johnson's mangled aircraft in disbelief before waving and turning away. (3) Johnson scores his 5th kill, an Fw-190A, over France with his 56th FG P-47D "Lucky" in the late fall of 1943. (4) Johnson encounters a pair of Fw-190As in his P-47D "Lucky" in the winter of 1944. (5) Johnson taxis his last 56th FG P-47D, "Penrod and Sam," at RAF Boxted before a mission in May 1944. (6 and 7) Johnson scores his last two kills--a pair of Me-109Gs--on 8 May 1944. (8) Johnson accompanies his squadron on a ground attack mission in France--his last--on 9 May 1944. (9) Capt. Robert S. Johnson in the cockpit of his 61st FS P-47D "Lucky," with his crew chief, SSgt. "Pappy" Gould in March 1944