Lyndon B. Johnson
U.S. Naval Reserve (USNR) 1940–1964
36th U.S. President of the United States (POTUS) 1963–1969

Background
Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) was born August 27, 1908 to parents Sam Ealy Johnson Jr. and Rebekah Baines Johnson in Stonewall, Texas.

Wartime History
On June 21, 1940 appointed in the U.S. Naval Reserve (USNR) with the rank of Lieutenant Commander (LtCdr) in the U.S. Navy (USN). After the United States entered World War II, he was called to active duty on December 10, 1941 while serving as a U.S. Representative in Congress. He reported to Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C., for instruction and training. Afterwards, sent to inspect shipyard facilities in Texas and on the West Coast.


In the spring of 1942, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted an observer to visit the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). Acting on a suggestion by Undersecretary of the Navy James Forrestal, LtCdr Johnson was selected to lead a a three-man survey team and went overseas to Australia and used a cine camera to record footage overseas.

On June 9, 1942 passenger aboard B-26 "Heckling Hare" 40-1488 on a bombing mission against Salamaua, but aborted the mission before reaching the target. Afterwards, General Douglas MacArthur recommended Johnson for the Silver Star for "gallantry in action" on the mission and was the only member of the crew to receive a decoration.

Returning to the United States, he reported to Roosevelt, Navy leadership and members of Congress about condition that were deemed to be poor and unacceptable and advocated that the SWPA needed a higher priority and needed more resources and personnel. Afterwards, Congress made Johnson chairman of the subcommittee of the Naval Affairs Committee. Johnson was released from active duty on July 17, 1942.

Postwar
On October 19, 1949 promoted to the rank of Commander and remained in the U.S. Naval Reserve (USNR) on January 18, 1964. Johnson was Vice President under U.S. President John F. Kennedy during 1961 to 1963. On November 22, 1963, after JFK's assassination, sworn in as 36th President of the United States (POTUS) aboard Air Force One in Dallas then ran for the office in the 1964 election and won the election and served until 1969.

Memorials
Johnson passed away on January 22, 1973 at age 64. He is buried at Johnson Family Cemetery in Stonewall, TX.

References
The White House - Lyndon B. Johnson
Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - Commander Lyndon Baines Johnson, USNR
Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) - Commander Lyndon B. Johnson's Army Silver Star Medal Citation
Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum
Hall Of Valor Project - Lyndon Baines Johnson Silver Star
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Lieutenant Commander Lyndon Baines Johnson, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action in the vicinity of Port Moresby and Salamaua, New Guinea while attached to a B-26 bomber of the 22d Bombardment Group, Far East Air Forces, U.S. Army Air Force, on 9 June 1942. While on a mission of obtaining information in the Southwest Pacific area, Lieutenant Commander Johnson, in order to obtain personal knowledge of combat conditions, volunteered as an observer on a hazardous aerial combat mission over hostile positions in New Guinea. As our planes neared the target area they were intercepted by eight hostile fighters. When, at this time, the plane in which Lieutenant Commander Johnson was an observer, developed mechanical trouble and was forced to turn back alone, presenting a favorable target to the enemy fighters, he evidenced marked coolness in spite of the hazards involved. His gallant action enabled him to obtain and return with valuable information. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."
New York Times "Johnson Was Awarded the Silver Star for Flight With Bomber Group in Pacific" September 21, 1964
FindAGrave - Lyndon Baines Johnson (photo, grave photo)

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