On July 18th, Celebration Village in Acworth will be holding an event honoring combat veteran Oscar Johnson, Jr., who will be turning 92 years old. Oscar was born in Hiteman, IA on July 18th, 1929, and enlisted in the Army in 1948 where he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division’s Parachute Maintenance Company.
Oscar’s story is one about which Hollywood makes action movies. 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.
Oscar’s dream is to fly a helicopter once again. Celebration Village has arranged for him to fly one on his birthday, and the helicopter will touch down at the Village at 12:30pm on the 18th. A party will be held upon his arrival, and the public is welcome to attend.
Please share Oscar’s story, and the party invite, with everyone you know who might want to help such an interesting man celebrate his 92nd birthday.
