Local WWII Hero Carl Johnson Celebrates 100th Birthday in Style!

Local WWII Hero Carl Johnson Celebrates 100th Birthday in Style!

A remarkable milestone recently came to life in Apopka, as Carl “Phil” Philip Johnson Jr., a World War II veteran, celebrated his 100th birthday on August 7 at Solaris Healthcare Forest Lake. The event was marked by festive balloons, a colorful birthday banner, and a gathering of special guests, though Johnson himself joined the festivities via Zoom. Johnson’s century-long journey began on August 7, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois, where he attended South Shore High School and later pursued studies at the University of Illinois.

His adventure took a significant turn when he joined the U.S. Navy in November 1943 at Farragut Naval Station in Idaho. After boot camp and completing Navy Electrician’s School, he found himself serving on the USS Saratoga (CV-3) starting in June 1944. Initially tasked with carrying supplies, Johnson quickly advanced in rank due to a typing class he had taken in high school.

Heroic Survival

On February 21, 1945, the USS Saratoga faced one of its darkest days. During the U.S. invasion of Iwo Jima, the aircraft carrier was attacked by three Japanese kamikaze planes, sustaining five direct hits and seven bomb hits, resulting in 123 deaths and around 192 injuries among the crew. The carrier was indeed a resilient ship; despite sustaining extensive damage, it remained afloat, and damage control teams worked tirelessly to extinguish fires and recover aircraft. The company was formidable, managing to retrieve six aircraft after the attack, showcasing the undaunted spirit of its crew during dire circumstances. Johnson, a seaman aboard that day, survived the assault, but the scars of the event are etched in memory.

The USS Saratoga, known affectionately as „Sister Sara,“ was the fifth U.S. Navy ship named after the famous 1777 Battle of Saratoga. Originally constructed as a battle cruiser, it transformed into an aircraft carrier, being laid down in 1920 and commissioned in 1927. At various points, the Saratoga saw considerable action, including surviving previous attacks and mishaps throughout World War II. Post-war, it served in many capacities, including training missions and, ultimately, as a target ship for atomic bomb tests.

Life After the Navy

Johnson’s time in the Navy came to an end on June 20, 1946, when he was discharged at Great Lakes Naval Station in Illinois. He received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal for his service. After leaving the military, Johnson embarked on a career with AT&T, retiring at 57. He later spent 18 years at EPCOT, where he built cherished friendships with guests, truly embodying a spirit of community.

Today, Johnson is surrounded by family—two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, all of whom are girls. He is a man of many interests, enjoying studies on the Civil War, collecting coins, and delving into baseball history. His fondness for Hendrick’s Gin is well known, shared with his friend Steve Ruebelman, who has a unique plan to transform their shared gin bottles into lamps for Johnson’s family.

Pride and Legacy

As he approaches his centennial, Johnson takes immense pride in his military service. He keeps several hats commemorating his Navy days and expressed a willingness to serve his country again if given the chance. This resilience mirrors that of the USS Saratoga, a ship characterized by its incredible history of endurance and service. Johnson’s story and the legacy of the Saratoga intertwine, both marked by bravery, survival, and an unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

For more on Johnson and his remarkable life, The Apopka Chief reports that… and to delve into the history of the USS Saratoga, indeed one of the toughest ships during World War II, you can read more from History and Headlines and explore details from its storied past at Wikipedia.