 |
|
|
Original Pilot of the Cavanaugh Mustang....
Hjalmar Johnsen was born on November 20, 1919 in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Olaf and Martine Johnsen. He was one of eight children.
Hjalmar began his military career in 1939 when he joined the New York National Guard, and received assignment to Troop C, 101st Horse Cavalry. Following the
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hjalmar’s unit was nationalized and he applied for, and received, acceptance into the Army Air Corps.
In primary flight training Hjalmar learned to fly in a Stearman PT-17. Next, he mastered the Vultee
BT-13A Valiant in Basic training. Finally, Hjalmar progressed to Advanced training where he completed his training in the North
American AT-6 Texan. He graduated flight school in July 1943 and was assigned to 370th Fighter Group, 401st Fighter Squadron, of the 9th Air Force.
Hjalmar trained in P-47s for deployment to Europe. After arriving in Andover,
England his group transitioned to P-38s in preparation for the Normandy
invasion. Hjalmar flew more than 64 ground-support combat missions, many in his assigned airplane, which he named “The Brat”. On October 4, 1944,
while on a bombing mission “The Brat” was hit by ground fire. He bailed out over Belgium
sustaining a broken leg and was picked up by Americans near the front lines. In
March, of 1945 the 401st received their new P-51s, which they flew until the war
ended. The P-51 Hjalmar flew was 44-72339; the same aircraft now on display at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum.
During his military service Hjalmar was decorated with the Purple Heart and the Air Medal with 10 clusters.
Hjalmar returned home after the war, married Rita Mederle and started a family. The Johnsen's had two children, Jal and
Lynn. Hjalmar worked for United Parcel Service for 30 years before retiring. Hjalmar Johnsen passed away on March 12, 1999.
|
|
|
|
|
|
