Former POW, now a congressman, to receive honor

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Former POW, now a congressman, to receive honor

Staff report
Posted : Tuesday Oct 6, 2009 9:02:02 EDT

An Air Force vet and former prisoner of war in Vietnam who is now a member of Congress is the recipient of Medal of Honor Society’s highest civilian award.

Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Texas, will receive the National Patriot Award this weekend at a dinner in Dallas.

Johnson, a fighter pilot, flew 62 combat missions in Korea, served as director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School and flew with the Thunderbirds. He served two tours in Vietnam; during his second tour, on April 16, 1966, Johnson was shot down over North Vietnam and was a POW for nearly seven years.

He returned to his family and the United States in February 1973.

Johnson is being recognized with the National Patriot Award for his work to support men and women in uniform and his efforts on behalf of veterans.

Other recipients of the award include Arizona Sen John McCain, retired Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and former First Lady Laura Bush.

See more:

Sam Johnson’s entry in the Military Times Hall of Valor

Videos You May Be Interested In

Then-1st Lt. Sam Johnson salutes upon his return from a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1973. Johnson's release from captivity came after spending more than seven years in the camp after his F-4 fighter was shot down in 1966.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Then-1st Lt. Sam Johnson salutes upon his return from a Vietnamese prisoner of war camp to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1973. Johnson's release from captivity came after spending more than seven years in the camp after his F-4 fighter was shot down in 1966.

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