JOHNSON, LEON W.
(Air Mission)
Rank and organization: Colonel, U.S. Army Air Corps, 44th Bomber Group, 9th Air
Force. Place and date: Ploesti Raid, Rumania, 1 August 1943. Entered service at:
Moline, Kans. Born: 13 September 1904, Columbia, Mo. G.O. No: 54, 7
September 1943.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry in action and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and
beyond the call of duty on 1 August 1943. Col. Johnson, as commanding officer of a heavy
bombardment group, let the formation of the aircraft of his organization constituting the
fourth element of the mass low-level bombing attack of the 9th U.S. 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 Col. 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, Col. 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, Col. Johnson so led his formation as to destroy totally the
important refining plants and installations which were the object of his mission. Col.
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.
