Medal of Honor: Leon W. Johnson – World War II, August 1st 1944

JOHNSON, LEON W.
Rank and Organization: Colonel, U.S. Army Air Corps
Unit: 44th Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force
Conflict: World War II
Date of Action: August 1, 1943
Location: Ploesti, Rumania
Entered Service At: Moline, Kansas
Born: September 13, 1904, Columbia, Missouri

Summary of Action

In the predawn hours of August 1, 1943, Colonel Leon W. Johnson led the 44th Bombardment Group into the jaws of hell. Operation TIDAL WAVE—one of the most daring and dangerous air raids of the war—was underway. Its objective: the heavily defended oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania, the heart of Hitler’s fuel supply.

Flying at treetop level across 2,400 miles of enemy territory, Johnson's bombers thundered toward their target. But as they neared the point of no return, towering cumulus clouds over the Carpathians broke the formation apart. Isolated and out of position, Johnson’s group had every reason to turn back—but he didn’t.

He fought his way back into the third wave of the assault and pressed on. When they arrived at their assigned target, it was already ablaze from a previous attack, its smoke shrouding the complex, and the defenses were fully awake. But Johnson never hesitated.

With flak erupting around them, enemy fighters descending from the clouds, delayed-action bombs still exploding, and firestorms sweeping across the refinery, Colonel Johnson led his battered formation straight into the inferno. His group dropped with deadly precision, obliterating what was left of the strategic target.

Despite overwhelming odds and knowing full well the price he might pay, Johnson's calm leadership and utter refusal to abandon the mission saved countless lives and helped cripple a vital artery of the Nazi war machine. His actions became legend.

Medal of Honor 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.

Colonel Johnson, as commanding officer of a heavy bombardment group, led the fourth element of the mass low-level bombing attack of the 9th U.S. Air Force against the vitally important enemy oil refineries at Ploesti, Rumania.

While en route on this 2,400-mile mission, his element became separated from the leading elements due to dangerous cumulus clouds over mountainous terrain. Though temporarily lost, Colonel Johnson reestablished contact with the third wave and pressed on with a reduced force toward the prearranged attack point. Upon arrival, it was discovered that his target had already been assaulted and was heavily damaged.

Nevertheless, despite the loss of surprise—upon which the success of such a mission so strongly depended—Colonel Johnson refused to abandon the assault. Facing alerted defenses, devastating antiaircraft fire, roving enemy fighters, exploding delayed bombs, towering oil fires, and choking smoke, he led his group into the heart of destruction.

Through brilliant leadership, superb flying skill, and undaunted courage, Colonel Johnson directed a devastating low-level attack that destroyed the strategic refining facilities. His personal valor and masterful command were essential to the mission’s success.

Colonel Johnson’s gallantry, determination, and unwavering devotion to duty at the cost of extreme personal risk reflect the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces and stand as a shining example of heroism for the ages.