Theodore Johnson (Tuskegee Airman)

Theodore P. Johnson, Jr. (March 22, 1924 – February 16, 2020) was an American military serviceman who served during World War II and was a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman.

Early life and education
He attended Dunbar High School at Temple, Texas, June 6, 1941.

Military service
In 1943 Johnson was drafted and sent to Fort Benning, GA. In 1944 he arrived in St. Louis, MO, Jefferson Barracks Military Post, for basic training. In April 1944 he was sent to Scotland, and in July arrived at Omaha Beach on a tank landing ship; from there he journeyed across France, Belgium and Germany. On July 5, 1945 he arrived in Boston, Massachusetts by way of LeHavre, France.

He re-enlisted on January 26, 1946, and was eventually posted to Lockbourne Air Base, Ohio, as a result of this he is classified as a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman (DOTA).

Later life
Later in life, Johnson spent time speaking to groups about his experiences as a Tuskegee Airman. He was "known for his detailed memory of his travels, assignments and personal encounters". In 2005, Johnson and other Tuskegee Airmen spoke to their former unit the 332nd Fighter group, in Balad, Iraq. "War is hell," Johnson once said. "Don't nobody tell you that war is not hell. Anybody tell you he wasn't afraid, he's a lie." Toward the final years of his life, he frequently took part in honors and ceremonies, for himself and representing the Tuskegee Airmen. In 2018, he went on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with 50 other veterans from Austin. He was presented with a portrait painting of himself at the "Portraits of Patriots Art Show", in the Patriot's Casa at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.

Personal life
He and his wife had nine children.

Johnson died in his home in San Antonio, Texas. After his death there were only two living members in San Antonio.

Awards

 * Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006