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Artist's conception of George A. Johnson by the renowned graphic illustrator John Barrett, with the text written by naval author and historian Robert F. Sumrall. Their company, Navy Yard Associates, offers prints of most destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers in various configurations during the ship's lifetime. ALL the destroyer escorts ARE available in their WWII configuration. The prints can be customized with ship's patches, your photograph, your bio, etc. When you purchase artwork from them, please indicate that you heard about their work from Navsource. |
Navy Yard Associates |
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George Alfred Johnson was born in Fleetwood, Pa. on 26 September 1922 and was the first of seven children: George, Gloria, Mary Jane, Don, Gary, Edna Mae, and William. He was a member of the YMCA, worked part time as a pin-boy at the Y bowling alleys, and later as a welder at Lukens Steel. He is remembered as a very hard worker, and really gave himself to his family and friends. George attended Scott High School in Coatesville, Class of 1942. He left school his senior year to enlist in the Marine Corps on 28 January 1942. He went through basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and advanced infantry training at Quantico, Virginia before sailing for the Pacific in April 1942. Attached to the 1st Marine Raider Battalion, Private Johnson participated in the invasion of Tulagi, Solomon Islands, 7 August 1942. During mop-up operations 2 days later, his squad came under rifle fire from a sniper's nest in a nearby cave. Private Johnson rushed to the mouth of the cave and continued to throw in grenades until he was killed, allowing his squad to advance. For his indomitable fighting spirit and outstanding bravery, Private Johnson was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
USS George A. Johnson (DE 583) (1944-1957) was the first ship to be named in his honor.
(Photo Courtesy of Chester County, Pennsylvania Hall of Heroes thanks to David G. Williams - Administrative Project Leader) |
Bill Gonyo |
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12 January 1944: Hingham, Mass. - USS George A. Johnson enters the water for the first time. |
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August 1944 |
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29 September 1950: Mare Island Navy Yard, San Francisco, Cal. - USS George A. Johnson (DE 583) being placed "In Commission, In Reserve." (U.S. Navy photo #DE-583-7050-9-50) |
Darryl Baker |
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October 1952: Highlining with USS Thomas F. Nickel (DE 587) during a reserve cruise from San Diego to Pearl Harbor. |
Bob LeBaron |
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Beached after breaking tow enroute to San Diego, just prior to being broken up. |
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