Russell Johnson

Russell David Johnson is an American television and film actor best known as "The Professor" on the CBS television sitcom Gilligan's Island. Born in Ashley, Pennsylvania, Johnson is a graduate of Girard College, a private boarding school for children in need in Philadelphia. After high school, in the midst of World War II, Johnson joined the United States Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet; upon commissioning as a second lieutenant, Johnson was assigned the service number 0 765 497. He flew 44 combat missions as a bombardier in B-25 bombers. While flying as a navigator in a B-25 with the... 100th Bombardment Squadron, 42nd Bombardment Group, 13th Air Force, his plane and two other B-25s were shot down in the Philippines in March 1945 during a low level bombing and strafing run against Japanese targets. The planes were hit by intense flak and had to ditch in the waters off the port of Zamboanga. During the ditching, he broke both his ankles and the radioman next to him was killed. Russell Johnson earned a Purple Heart for this mission.
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