Friday night in Dallas the Congressional Medal of Honor Society presented U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) the National Patriot Award, the Society’s highest civilian award.  Over 30 living Medal of Honor recipients attended the event to celebrate the award and congratulate Johnson, a 29-year Air Force veteran and former Prisoner of War (POW) in Vietnam. 

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society presents the National Patriot Award to distinguished Americans who exemplify the ideals that make our country strong.  According to the Society, the recipients’ “dedication to freedom evidences no limitations; their love of fellow man is not qualified; their allegiance to our flag with a full understanding of its demands is without reservation.”  The Congressional Medal of Honor Society started the Foundation in 1999 to help perpetuate the Medal of Honor’s rich legacy of courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism. Only 95 recipients of the nation’s highest award for valor remain alive today and more than 60 percent of those who have received the award since the beginning of World War II have received it posthumously; all six from Iraq and Afghanistan have been awarded posthumously. 

“Thank you for this award.  It is a deep honor to be surrounded by so many living Medal of Honor recipients.  I know how much y’all have sacrificed to rate the Medal of Honor so I do not take this recognition lightly.  During my time in the Air Force, especially as a POW, I’ve known great patriots, real war heroes and Medal of Honor recipients, like my cell mate, Jim Stockdale, or POW friends Bud Day or Leo Thorsness,” said Johnson at the gala dinner. 

Fresh out of Southern Methodist University, Johnson flew 62 combat missions in Korea.  The fighter pilot served as the director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) and flew with the first supersonic air precision team, the Thunderbirds.  During Johnson’s first tour in Vietnam, he helped orchestrate the first bombing campaigns under General Westmoreland.  During Johnson’s second tour of duty on April 16, 1966, the enemy shot Johnson down over North Vietnam where he would remain a Prisoner of War for nearly 7 years, more than half of that time in solitary confinement.  Forced into solitary after his captors labeled him a “die-hard,” his captors kept Johnson in leg stocks (like the pilgrims) for 72 days and then leg irons for the next 2 ˝ years.  In the event he escaped, Johnson committed 374 names of fellow POWs to memory by tapping a special code on the prison wall.  Johnson returned home to freedom, his family and Texas in February 1973 as part of Operation Homecoming. 

The award commends Johnson for his tireless work to support America’s men and women in uniform as well as his efforts on behalf of veterans.  As an elected official, Johnson serves on the U.S. Russia Joint Commission on POWs and MIAs.   

Other notable National Patriot Award recipients include: General William C. Westmoreland U.S. Army (Retired) 1986; H. Ross Perot 1993; General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, U.S. Army (Ret.) 2002; U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona (2005); General Peter Pace, former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 2006; Roger Staubach, retired Dallas Cowboys football player 2006; and former First Lady Laura Bush 2008; among others.  During Johnson’s first tour of duty in Vietnam, Johnson worked under General Westmoreland.  Johnson and McCain shared a cell while held captive in Vietnam. 

Johnson chronicles his time in captivity in his autobiography, Captive Warriors.  For his service and bravery to this country, the military awarded Johnson two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, and three Outstanding Unit Awards.   

“Colonel Johnson is a great Texan, an American patriot and a living example of courage and selfless service to his countrymen,” said Texas Governor Rick Perry.  “Sam has long embodied the best Texas characteristics of faith, patriotism, and strength during his years in the military, in captivity and in public service.  He is most deserving of honor by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.” 

Legendary businessman and longtime friend, Ross Perot, extended his warm wishes to Johnson.  Ross Perot stated, “Congratulations on receiving the National Patriot Award!  I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award because of your 29 years of service in the Air Force and the sacrifices you made as a Prisoner of War.  You endured brutal treatment without ever compromising your integrity.  You are a hero and role model to the other POWs you were confined with and all others who served with you!  In meetings with fellow POWs at the conventions after you came home, you were one of the most respected people in this great group of patriots.  You have served our country as a Member of Congress and have been a man of principle throughout these years.  Throughout your career and life, you have lived the words of Winston Churchill’s shortest speech, ‘Never give in, never give in, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER!’ By your heroism, you certainly earned this award, and all of us who know you are very proud that you have received it!” 

In addition to Johnson’s recognition, Mr. Bill O’Reilly accepted the Tex McCreery Award for excellence in journalism and entertainer Steve Amerson received the Bob Hope Award for excellence in entertainment at the gala. 

Johnson represents portions of Dallas and Collin counties.