S/SGT. MAX F. JOHNSON

Max Johnson enlisted in the Army in March of 1943 from Battle Creek, Michigan. After enlistment, he began training at the Aerial Mechanic School at Keesler Field in Mississippi. Subsequently, he was transferred for more training at the gunnery school in Harlingen, Texas. Upon finishing his Air Force training, Johnson was shipped overseas, assigned to the 753rd Bomb Squadron, 458th Bomb Group of the “Mighty” 8th Air Force. 

Stationed at RAF Horshman St Faith Airfield in Norwich, England, Johnson was a waist gunner on B-24 Liberators. He flew on primarily two B-24s, one called “A Dog’s Life” (Shown below) and another called “Lassie Come Home” (Shown below). "Lassie Come Home" crashed on January 14th, 1945, with the loss of 8 crew and two civilian children. "A Dog's Life," also crashed a month later on February 13th, 1945, during a training mission with the loss of all onboard crew. Johnson, luckily, was not on either plane during the crashes.

On July 19th, 1944, Johnson was awarded his first Air Medal. At the time of receiving the award, he had completed 16 missions over Europe. After being newly promoted to Staff Sergeant, Johnson was awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster on July 18th, 1944 and again earning a second Oak Leaf Cluster on October 23rd, 1944.  His last awarded medal was a Distinguished Flying Cross on December 2nd, 1944. Johnson returned the Battle Creek after being honorably discharged in 1945, and remained in the area until his passing in 2002. 

Showcased above is his A-2 jacket painted with his nick name, “Skipper”, and a bomber plane circling the "ETO" on the front. On the rear, his squadron’s B-24 Liberator is painted with the name "Buck Roger Boys" above the plane. Interesting to note, the wartime period photos below, show Johnson wearing this exact jacket in detail. Thank you for your service, S/SGT. Johnson.