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'''Samuel Robert "Sam" Johnson''' (born October 11, 1930) is an American politician. He currently is a [[Republican Party|Republican]] member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the Third District of Texas. Johnson is married to the former Shirley L. Melton, of Dallas. They are parents of three children and ten grandchildren.

'''Samuel Robert “Sam” Johnson''' (October 11, 1930 – May 27, 2020) was an American politician who served as the [[Republican]] member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the third congressional district of Texas.

Johnson grew up in Dallas, Texas and graduated from Southern Methodist University. He served a 29-year career in the United States Air Force, where he served as director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School and flew with the Air Force Thunderbirds precision flying demonstration team.

Johnson grew up in Dallas, Texas and graduated from Southern Methodist University. He served a 29-year career in the United States Air Force, where he served as director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School and flew with the Air Force Thunderbirds precision flying demonstration team.

He is a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars as a fighter pilot. In the [[Korean War]], he flew F-86s in 62 combat missions. In the [[Vietnam War]], Johnson flew [[F-4 Phantom|F-4s]].

He is a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars as a fighter pilot. In the [[Korean War]], he flew F-86s in 62 combat missions. In the [[Vietnam War]], Johnson flew [[F-4 Phantom|F-4s]].

In 1966, while flying his 25th combat mission in Vietnam, he was shot down over North Vietnam. He was a prisoner of war for seven years, including 42 months in solitary confinement. During this period, he was repeatedly tortured. Johnson recounted the details of his POW experience in his autobiography, ''Captive Warriors''.

In 1966, while flying his 25th combat mission in Vietnam, he was shot down over North Vietnam. He was a prisoner of war for seven years, including 42 months in solitary confinement. During this period, he was repeatedly tortured. Johnson recounted the details of his POW experience in his autobiography, ''Captive Warriors''.

A decorated war hero, Johnson was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]], one Bronze Star with Valor, two [[Purple Heart]]s, four Air Medals, and three Outstanding Unit Awards.

A decorated war hero, Johnson was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the [[Distinguished Flying Cross]], one [[Bronze Star]] with Valor, two [[Purple Heart]]s, four Air Medals, and three Outstanding Unit Awards.

After his military career, he established a homebuilding business and served in the Texas State Legislature. He has represented Texas' Third District in the United States Congress since 1991.

After his military career, he established a homebuilding business and served in the Texas State Legislature. He has represented Texas' Third District in the United States Congress since 1991.

==External links==

==External links==

*[http://www.ontheissues.org/TX/Sam_Johnson.htm On the Issues - Sam Johnson] issue positions and quotes

*[http://www.ontheissues.org/TX/Sam_Johnson.htm On the Issues - Sam Johnson] issue positions and quotes

[[Category:Republican Party|Johnson, Sam]]

[[Category:Republican Party]]