Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 3 Line: 35

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

I, Johnnie W. Sabrsula AOM2c, voluntarily joined the Navy November 8, 1942 and was honorably discharged September 26, 1945. I served in the Pacific theater during World War II from September 1944 to June 7, 1945. I was a turret gunner on several Ventura airplanes under the leadership of Lt. Commander John Porter, commanding officer of squadron VPB 137 and pilot Lt. Irving Enevold. We served the entire tour together.
The Distinguished Flying Cross citation, signed by Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal, reads as follows:
"F or heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific War Area from December 18, 1944 to March 12, 1945. Participating in twenty combat missions during this period, Sabrsula contributed materially to the success of his plane. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions for the United States Naval Service."
I was also awarded four Air Medals and two Purple Hearts for my actions in the Pacific.