ROBERT D. (JOHNNY) JOHNSTON

Robert D. (Johnny) Johnston, 87, an Air Force colonel with a legendary combat record as a P-47 fighter pilot in World War II, passed away, Friday, August 17, 2007, in Panama City Beach, FL, after an extended illness.

A native Californian, he entered aviation cadet training in July, 1941, graduating with Class 42-B. As a highly-decorated P-47 fighter pilot assigned to the 50th Fighter Group in Europe during World War II, he commanded the 81st Fighter Squadron and destroyed 18 enemy aircraft, earning triple ace status. For his combat valor, General Carl "Tooey" Spaatz awarded Colonel Johnston the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second highest award, in addition to his Distinguished Flying Cross, 18 Air Medals, and French Croix de Guerre with gold star. In 1945, the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA, honored their native son by enshrining his pilot wings on the Famous Flyers' Wall alongside those of General Hap Arnold, Amelia Earhart, General James Doolittle, and other luminary pilots.

During a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force as a command pilot, flying commander, and air tactics instructor, he performed overseas duty in England, Korea, and Hawaii in addition to stateside assignments. Retiring from the service after 28 years, he moved to Panama City Beach, FL in 1968 to reenter civilian life as a successful businessman first with Seaco Electrical Supply and then with Cook-Whitehead Ford.

Colonel Johnston is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jean Jordan Johnston, and three sons, Robert M. Johnston and wife Thuy, Vienna, VA, Patrick S. Johnston and fiancée Deana Curren, Dallas, TX, and Richard M. Johnston and wife Dianne (Flynn), Tallahassee, FL. Four grandchildren include Carolyn Johnston, Philadelphia, PA, Michael Johnston and wife April (Warner), Blake Johnston, and Connor Johnston, all of Tallahassee, FL. His great grandson, Mattox Johnston, was born in Tallahassee, FL, the day after he passed away. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Melvin and Ethel Johnston and his older brother Melvin.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a solemn Memorial Service at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1608 Baker Court, Panama City, FL 32401. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 22nd, with reception to follow afterwards in the church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Colonel Johnston's name be made to the Air Force Aid Society, Inc. http://www.afas.org/contribute/contribute.cfm. At a later date this fall the nation will extend military honors with a separate ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery's Columbarium in Arlington.

Wilson Funeral Home