Rudy Hugh Johnson

Era: World War II

Military Branch: Army

Rudy Hugh Johnson served in World War II.

He served in the European theater with the Army Air Forces. His service began on July 23, 1942, and ended on January 14, 1947. He was assigned to the 3338th Bomb Group. As a 2nd lieutenant, Mr. Johnson was a pilot of a two-engine plane. On June 6, 1944, he was shot down over Munich, Germany. He was wounded and captured. During his time as a POW, he was part of several marches across Germany and also spent 10 months in Stalag Luft III until liberation.

Stalag Luft III was located in what is today Zagan, Poland. This prison held mostly captured American and British air forces and was controlled by the German air force equivalent, the Luftwaffe. Mr. Johnson’s highest rank was 1st Lieutenant.

He received European-African-Middle East and American Theater ribbons. He also received a WWII Victory Medal as well as a Purple Heart.

Mr. Johnson was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on September 8, 1921, to parents Rudy and Gertrude Johnson. He graduated from high school in 1939.

Sources: Veterans’ Memorial Hall Veteran History Form; veteran’s account (see below); Zagan Museum website (http://www.muzeum.eline2.serwery.pl/)

Pilot, 2 engine. 2nd Lt Dec. 5, 1943. ETIO on 6/6/44 shot down over Munich, Germany. Wounded and captured. Was part of several marches across Germany, spending 10 months as a POW in Stalag Luft III until liberation.