Military career Buford A. Johnson

an air force cadet speaks tuskegee airman buford johnson during 40th tuskegee airmen national convention @ gaylord national hotel in national harbor, md., aug. 6, 2011. defense.gov photo essay 110806-f-rh756-151

when johnson 18 years old, u.s. military drafted him u.s. navy. @ time, tasks african-american men allowed in navy menial jobs, not interested in doing. learned volunteering three-year tour of duty in u.s. army supersede draft orders, johnson instead enlisted in u.s. army air force in 1945. became 1 of first african-americans allowed work on u.s. fighter aircraft.

johnson did basic training @ sheppard field texas. upon graduating, assigned 99th fighter squadron of 477th composite group stationed @ godman field, kentucky.

after world war ii, johnson stationed @ lockbourne afb in ohio , there transferred itazuke air base in japan. @ itaszuke, orders support p-51 fighter squadron; abilities earned him honor of being mechanic on 80th fighter bomber squadron s first f-80c aircraft. became first african-american jet mechanic in united states air force, crew chief work on jet aircraft, , crew chief working on jet aircraft in combat zone.

johnson transferred out of korean war zone on 19 december 1951 , assigned month later 6520th test support wing, air force cambridge research center, on hanscom afb in bedford, massachusetts aircraft maintenance supervisor in january 1952. promoted technical sergeant master sergeant on 1 april 1953.

on 25 july 1956, johnson received orders transfer 50th fighter-bomber wing in toul-rosieres air base in france, reported 3 weeks later on 15 august 1956. assigned 417th fighter group. on 29 july 1960, johnson transferred air force test center @ edwards air force base, california. during time working 417th tactical fighter squadron @ edwards air force base, buford received air force commendation medal meritorious service on 21 december 1962.

he remained @ edwards air force base until july 1965, @ point received orders transfer oxnard air force base, california take duties of non-commissioned officer in charge of maintenance control.

johnson retired in 1966.