Buford A. Johnson

Master Sergeant Buford A. Johnson (August 30, 1927 – April 15, 2017) was a member of the famed group of African-American World War II pilots and support personnel known as the Tuskegee Airmen. During World War II, he served as the chief mechanic servicing the fighter planes of the 99th Fighter Squadron of the 477th Composite Group.

In May 1949, Johnson served as the aircraft crew chief of the 332nd Fighter Group Weapons three-member pilot team that won the U.S. Air Force's inaugural "Top Gun" team competition held at the Las Vegas Air Force Base (now Nellis Air Force Base).

Biography Early life Buford A. Johnson was born in Longview, Texas on August 30, 1927. He was raised in Shiloh, Texas, graduating from the Shiloh High School in 1945.

Aircraft Crew Chief of the Winning 1949 "Top Gun Competition" Team In January 1949, the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force sent out a directive to each Air Force group requesting their participation in an aerial weapons competition. Four later in May 1949, Johnson served as the aircraft crew chief for the 332nd Fighter Group Weapons three-member pilot team that won the U.S. Air Force's inaugural "Top Gun" team competition held at the Las Vegas Air Force Base (now Nellis Air Force Base).

The pilot team included the 300th Squadron's Captain Alva Temple (September 5, 1917 – August 28, 2004), 100th Squadron's First Lieutenant Harry Stewart, Jr., the 99th Squadron's James H. Harvey, and the 99th Squadron's First Lieutenant Halbert Alexander (June 12, 1922 – March 25, 1953), who served as an alternate pilot. Harvey and his team competed in P-47N (later designated F-47N) Thunderbolts.

The results and the 3-foot high silver winning trophy, stashed in a Wright Patterson Air Force Base Museum storage area for 55 years, were absent from the U.S. Air Force archives until 1995. Flying F-47Ns, an improved variant of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt of World War II fame, the team won against U.S. Air Force fighter group teams in far more advanced aircraft such as the F-51 and F-82 Twin Mustang. Johnson's teammate, James H. Harvey remarked: "They knew who won, but did not want to recognize us."

Death Master Sergeant Buford A. Johnson died on April 15, 2017. He was interred in Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California, Section 53B, Site 2808.

Awards Individual awards U.S. Air Force Medal for Meritorious Service Letter of appreciation from the Department of Homeland Security California Service Center's Director Christina Poulos

Group award The Tuskegee Airmen were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service to their country on April 11, 2006. The original medal was given to the Smithsonian Institution and the individual members received replicas.