Laughlin XLer: Bill Johnson, 47th STUS

Bill Johnson, 47th Student Squadron simulator instructor, poses with Col. Mark Doria, 47th Flying Training Wing vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Garry Berry, 47th FTW command chief, after being presented the XLer of the week award here Oct. 16, 2013. The XLer is a weekly award chosen by wing leadership and given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to Laughlin and their unit. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman John D. Partlow)

Laughlin XLer: Bill Johnson, 47th STUS

Published Oct. 17, 2013
By 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

Duty Title: Bill Johnson, 47th Student Squadron simulator instructor

Why he XLed: Bill Johnson is leaving federal service after 59 years of duty. As a combat pilot, he earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 23 Air Medals, a Bronze Star and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. During his service to the government, he had 5,000 pilot hours, 5,000 navigation hours, 1,000 combat hours and 8,000 simulator instructor hours. He trained Laughlin students for more than 13 years, directly impacting more than 4,000 student pilots.