Personal Data
- Ernest P. Johnson, JR, CAPT USN (Ret)
- Tulane Naval ROTC Class of 1942
- Commissioned 1942
- Louisiana Native
Historical Events
- WW II
Assignments / Engagements
- Started active duty in 1942 on the USS Portland along with two other Tulane midshipmen.
- November 1944 promoted to Lt Junior Grade, was a division officer then an assistant gunnery officer, and later sent to support the 24th regiment in 1945 land invasion with marines.
- Battle of Salvo Island on 20 October 1945. Embarked on the USS Oakland anti air-craft vessel. Protected carrier enterprise from aerial attack during 5 engagements.
- On USS Portland participated in five major Naval engagements, lost 200-300 people during these engagements. While on the USS Portland a torpedo struck the ship near where he was standing and the impact lifted him off the deck.
- October 1948 transferred to the submarine reserve.
- Retired 1972
Other Notable Content
- Battleships often ruined formations due to slow speed.
- Torpedoes were very unreliable during the war due to inaccuracy and often circled and sometimes came back at the attacker.
- Ships had poor water tight integrity; if it was hit below water line flooding would occur.
- Sub torpedo were ineffective.
- Viewed World War 2 as a easy war to participate in because the country was behind them.
- Believes that a WW3 will happen with China because they are an extreme danger the world.