JOHNSON, Ward Van Ness

The Payson Roundup, Payson, Arizona, Friday, November 22, 2013 Ward Van Ness Johnson November 3, 1923 - October 14, 2013 Ward Van Ness Johnson passed away peacefully at his Payson, Ariz. home on Oct. 14, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann Anderson, in February 2012. Ward was born to Sara and Ward V. Johnson, Sr., in Manhattan, N.Y. Nov. 3, 1923. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the age of 19 and was quickly promoted to gunnery instructor. In 1943, Ward volunteered for “Project 9” — a classified mission to the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater, in support of “Chindit” commandos led by British Major General Orde C. Wingate. Ward served as a combat gunner in a B-25H. The airmen of Project 9 were eventually organized as the 1st Air Commando Group. Their daring and successful campaign over the jungles of Burma helped to keep Japanese forces out of India, and protect supply lines to China. Ward earned numerous medals, including the Bronze Star. More than that, however, Ward and his fellow Air Commandos pioneered many tactics still in use by U.S. Air Force Special Operations units today. In 1950, Ward was called to service a second time, and deployed to Europe during the Korean War. Once again he earned numerous medals during his six-year second term. Earning his commission, Ward was honorably discharged in August 1956 as a 1st lieutenant. In civilian life, Ward continued to serve his country as a disaster relief manager for the American Red Cross for 20 years. He was one of the first responders to many natural disasters in the United States, from hurricanes in Florida to floods in West Virginia. Ward moved to Payson in 1996, where he became involved with Payson Airport and Civil Air Patrol. One of Ward’s favorite passions was tinkering with his private planes. He had numerous aircraft in his life and he never lost the love of flying. The motto of the 1st Air Commando Group was “Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere.” Ward lived that creed. He was a class act and will be fondly remembered by fellow airmen and many friends. There will be no local service, but his remains will be buried at the National Cemetery in Phoenix at a later date. Donations in Ward’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of Central Arizona and to Hospice Compassus in Payson. For information regarding Ward’s interment, please e-mail z@joanmcmanus.com.