On July 18th, Celebration Village in Acworth held a birthday party for combat veteran Oscar Johnson, Jr., who turned 92 years old. Several members of American Legion Post 304 were present to celebrate with the 92 year old veteran.
Oscar’s story is one about which Hollywood makes action movies. Oscar enlisted in the Army in 1948 where he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division’s Parachute Maintenance Company. After becoming proficient as a parachute rigger and trainer, Oscar served out his Army time doing what he did best. After leaving the service, Oscar joined the Central Intelligence Agency as a helicopter pilot in the 1950’s and 60’s. During his time with the CIA, he had 45 combat airdrop missions. His alias was “Agent Peter Joyce”. On missions, he carried a survival bag which contained a pistol, 12 rounds of ammo, some gold for bartering if needed, and a cyanide capsule in case of capture.
Prior to his retirement from government service in 1968, Oscar spent time as the personal pilot for Vice President Hubert Humphrey and his wife, Muriel, during the Johnson Administration. Oscar was highly decorated during his government service time.
Oscar became a master wood carver, carving and painting the carousel Rose Horse and Native American Indian displayed in the Celebration Village atrium.
You can view videos of Oscar taking off and landing at Celebration Village below.
OSCAR TAKING OFF:
OSCAR LANDING:
