"I was always impressed with my female colleagues in that I was the only person of color and they were readily accepting of me." (Audio Interview, 4:08)

Clara C. Johnson

Major Clara Johnson, Vietnam [1969] War: Korean War, 1950-1953; Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Branch: Air Force Service Location: Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) and Brooks Field, Texas; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Sealand, Wales; Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Griffiss AFB, New York; also: Vietnam Rank: Major Place of Birth: MS

In 1950, Clara “Chris” Johnson was a theatrical designer with limited prospects when she decided that the Air Force would provide her with a steady income. Her initial impression of her female colleagues confirmed that she was going to be judged solely on her abilities and not on the color of her skin. She survived a rigorous stint at Officers Candidate School and a year in Vietnam, and got to retire at an age young enough to have a second career in academia.