John D. Foley

John D. Foley (March 1, 1918 – December 21, 1999), served in the United States Army Air Forces as a gunner during World War II. He was the inspiration of the popular 1943 song "Johnny Got a Zero".

Biography Foley enlisted in November 1941. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was assigned to a non-combat role with the 22nd Bomb Group stationed in Australia. His diligent cleaning of the machine guns of a Martin B-26 Marauder caught the attention of the bomber's pilot, Lieutenant Walter Krell. As the top turret gunner was injured, Foley became his replacement, despite having no aerial-gunnery training. An a cappella rendition by The Song Spinners, "Johnny Zero", stayed on Billboard magazine's charts from June to August, peaking at #7. He volunteered for a third tour of duty, but the war ended.

He died on December 21, 1999, at the age of 81 in Banning, California.