On Thursday, January 2nd, President Biden signed into law legislation introduced in the Senate by Senator John Cornyn and in the House by Congressman Keith Self to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Plano, Texas, the ‘‘U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson Memorial VA Clinic.”

“Sam Johnson was an American hero, a statesman, a loving husband and father, and a good friend,” said Sen. Cornyn. “With more than five decades of service to our nation in the Air Force and Congress, Sam’s life was a shining example of American patriotism, and I am happy that our legislation to preserve and honor his extraordinary legacy has been signed into law.”

“Congressman Johnson truly embodied what it means to be an American hero,” said Rep. Self. “I am thankful to Senator Cornyn, House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Bost, and House Majority Leader Scalise for their efforts in getting this legislation signed into law. I hope that every veteran who walks into this facility will be reminded of Sam’s enduring legacy and that his memory will inspire those serving in the facility to exemplify the values of honor and excellence that Sam demonstrated throughout his life and service to America.”

“Sam Johnson was an American hero. He flew nearly 100 combat missions in the Air Force and spent seven grueling years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam – but that didn’t shake his fighting spirit,” said Chairman Bost. “As a principled legislator, he understood the importance of a personal commitment to a cause greater than one person or place, and his fight for freedom for the individual liberties on behalf of everyday Americans will continue to be felt. I look forward to Sam’s story of sacrifice and service to his fellow Americans, and his commitment to putting his country above himself – being told for generations in his beloved home state of Texas – there is no one more deserving of this honor.”

Background:

Congressman Sam Johnson, a retired Colonel and highly decorated fighter pilot, demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience throughout his military and public service career. During a combat mission in North Vietnam, he survived an attack that shot down his plane and left him with a broken right arm, broken back, and dislocated shoulder. Imprisoned and tortured in Vietnam for nearly seven years, including 42 months in solitary confinement, Johnson never gave in to his captors and was recognized as one of the “Alcatraz Gang,” a POW group known for their unbreakable spirit and determination to survive. Johnson’s remarkable service was recognized with numerous awards including two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and two Purple Hearts. After a distinguished 29-year career in the United States Air Force, Johnson continued his dedication to public in the Texas State House of Representatives, where he served until being elected to this body in 1991. He went on to serve in the House until his retirement in 2019.