Flying Tiger program at the Bong Center

The Bong Veterans Historical Center will host a program by Two Harbors attorney Wayne Johnson who will discuss his memoir, Whitey: From Farm Kid to Flying Tiger to Attorney which chronicles his experiences flying fighters in the 14th Air Force in China.

Johnson enlisted in the Army Air Corps on the day after the Pearl Harbor attack and went to China where he flew with the Flying Tigers under General Claire Chennault. During his combat career Johnson flew the P-40 Warhawk and the P-51 Mustang. In addition to he has flown several other notable aircraft including the P-38, P-39, P-47, P-61, B-25, C-47 and the Japanese ''Val'' dive bomber. Following the war he flew P-51s for the North Dakota Air National Guard while attending college and did crop dusting in a Stearman. Johnson has over 6,000 pilot hours with single and multi-engine land and sea ratings.

In addition to his memoir, Johnson edited the 4 volume history Chennault's Flying Tigers and Sailor's War (about his brother's experience on the USS Tennessee) and The Trial of Christ, a legal analysis of the trial of Jesus. He is Past President and board member of the Flying Tigers of the 14th Air Force Association and has written numerous articles on aviation. Mr. Johnson lectures widely, particularly on the role of the Flying Tigers in World War II.

Mr. Johnson will present his program in the Center's classroom. Books will be available for purchase and the author's signature. The program is free and open to the public. The Center's exhibition galleries will be open for tours at regular admission prices.