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Tommy Burgdorf (Birddog), FC2
to remember
Johnson, William David, VADM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Montgomery Alabama
Last Address San Francisco, CA
Date of Passing May 26, 1967
Location of Interment U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium (VLM) - Annapolis, Maryland
US Navy Vice Admiral. Johnson graduated from the United States Navy Academy in 1921. Prior to the World War II Johnson was a Lt. Commander and commanding officer of Flight Squadron VP44-6 VPB as part of Patrol Wing Four. In World War II he was the recipient of the Navy Cross as commanding officer of the escort carrier U.S.S Suwanee CVE 27 for providing aerial support for amphibious attack groups landing on the shores of Leyte Gulf, Philippines during the final week of October 1944. He was seriously wounded in this engagement, but continued to operate his ship while directing numerous aerial strikes against the Japanese Fleet in the Gulf. During the Korean War he was a Rear Admiral who commanded Task Force 77 in 1953. Johnson retired as a Vice Admiral.
Other Comments:
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain William David Johnson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Escort Carrier U.S.S. SUWANEE (CVE-27), while that vessel was engaged in furnishing aerial support to our Amphibious Attack Groups landing on the shores of Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, from 18 to 27 October 1944. With his ship severely damaged by enemy aerial attack during the Battle off Samar Island, on 25 October, Captain Johnson continued to operate his ship with outstanding professional skill, directing numerous vigorous aerial strikes against the Japanese Fleet in Leyte Gulf and thereby contributing to the extensive and costly damage inflicted on hostile surface units. Although seriously wounded, he skillfully maneuvered his crippled ship through hazardous submarine infested waters and effected a safe withdrawal from the combat area. By his forceful leadership, and superb tactical ability, Captain Johnson was in large measure responsible for the success of our forces during this decisive engagement and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout these hazardous operations was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0195
Action Date: October 18 - 27, 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Captain
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Suwanee (CVE-27)
New Guinea Campaign (1943-44)/Battle of Morotai
From Month/Year
September / 1944
To Month/Year
September / 1944
Description The Battle of Morotai, part of the Pacific War, began on 15 September 1944, and continued until the end of the war in August 1945. The fighting started when United States and Australian forces landed on the southwest corner of Morotai, a small island in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI), which the Allies needed as a base to support the liberation of the Philippines later that year. The invading forces greatly outnumbered the island's Japanese defenders and secured their objectives in two weeks. Japanese reinforcements landed on the island between September and November, but lacked the supplies needed to effectively attack the Allied defensive perimeter. Intermittent fighting continued until the end of the war, with the Japanese troops suffering heavy loss of life from disease and starvation.
Morotai's development into an Allied base began shortly after the landing, and two major airfields were ready for use in October. These and other base facilities played an important role in the liberation of the Philippines during 1944 and 1945. Torpedo boats and aircraft based at Morotai also harassed Japanese positions in the NEI. The island's base facilities were further expanded in 1945 to support the Australian-led Borneo Campaign, and Morotai remained an important logistical hub and command center until the Dutch reestablished their colonial rule in the NEI.
