Steven James Forsberg wrote in message ...
B

: Johnson got a direct commission while a congressman. He was riding in a plane
: that was attacked. His "mission" was bogus, the decorations for it were bogus,
: but the bullets were apparently real.

I wouldn't call the missio "bogus." The aerial missions were very
real, it's just that LBJ volunteered to go along. His being a congresscritter
probably assisted in the process, and he may have done it specifically in
order to fight charges of being 'yellow'. His previous military duties had
been in war production and inspection tours. However, the bullets were ver
real. On the other hand, most agree that Mac was kissing arse when he
handed out that star....
Personally, I think that keeping serving congressfolks out of
uniform is a splendid idea. ISTR that FDR got some flak for making that
decision, but I think it was the right one.

BTW, does anyone know specifically if Nixon was present during a
bombing? Would that get counted as "shot at"? Nixon served on Guadalcanal.
It was right after the pullout of Japanese ground troops, but didn't
Henderson field still get bombed once in a while? He was a supply officer
with the Pacific air forces, but bombs (like rain) fall on all alike....



No mention of good Quaker Nixon getting bombed, I'm sure after he made
Congressman if there was a half-truth that could be inflated to hero
status he would gotten it. He is a home-town boy and I didn't hear any
thing that could pass as secert dope that Dickie had been brave.

http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq60-8.htm
Nixon became an attorney for the Office of Emergency Management in
Washington, D.C. where he worked until he accepted an appointment as
lieutenant junior grade in the United States Naval Reserve on 15 June
1942.


Following his appointment, Nixon began aviation indoctrination
training at the Naval Training School, Naval Air Station in Quonset
Point, Rhode Island. After completing the course in October 1942, he
went to the Naval Reserve Aviation Base in Ottumwa, Iowa, where he
served as Aide to the Executive Officer until May 1943. Looking for
more excitement, Nixon volunteered for sea duty and reported to
Commander Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet where he was assigned as
Officer in Charge of the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command at
Guadalcanal in the Solomons and later at Green Island. His unit
prepared manifests and flight plans for C-47 operations and supervised
the loading and unloading of the cargo aircraft. For this service he
received a Letter of Commendation from the Commander South Pacific
Area and South Pacific Force for "meritorious and efficient
performance of duty as Officer in Charge of the South Pacific Combat
Air Transport Command... " On 1 October 1943, Nixon was promoted to
lieutenant.


From August through December of 1944, Nixon was assigned to Fleet Air
Wing EIGHT. From December through March 1945, he served at the Bureau
of Aeronautics, Navy Department, Washington, D.C. In March, his next
assignment was as the Bureau of Aeronautics Contracting Officer for
Terminations in the Office of the Bureau of Aeronautics General
Representative, Eastern District, headquartered in New York City. In
that capacity he had temporary additional duty at various places,
including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Buffalo, New York City, and
East Hartford, Connecticut. When he was released from active duty on
10 March 1946. He was promoted to Commander in the Naval Reserve on 1
June 1953.


While on active duty besides the Letter of Commendation, Nixon earned
the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and
the World War II Victory Medal. He is entitled to two engagement stars
on the Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal for supporting air action in
the Treasury- Bougainville operations from 27 October to 15 December
1943 and for consolidation of the northern Solomons from 15 December
1943 to 22 July 1944. Nixon transferred to the Retired Reserve of the
Naval Reserve on 1 June 1966.

add: Lt. Richard M. Nixon's Letter of Commendation Citation

COMMENDATION BY COMSOPAC, 25 SEP 1944
TO
LIEUTENANT RICHARD MILHOUS NIXON
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE


"For meritorious and efficient performance of duty as
Officer-in-Charge of the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command at
Bougainville and later at Green Islands from January 1 to June 16,
1944. During this period, Lieutenant Nixon displayed sound judgment
and initiative in organizing the South Pacific Combat Air Transport
Command activities at both Bougainville and Green Islands. He
established the efficient liaison which made possible the immediate
supply by air of vital material and key personnel, and the prompt
evacuation of battle casualties from these stations to rear areas. His
able leadership, tireless efforts and devotion to duty were in keeping
with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Pertinent verses from H.M.S. Pinafore, slightly altered to fit the
circumstances

5. I was so brave that I was sent
By Commie bashing into Parliament.
I always voted at my party's call,
And I never thought of thinking for myself at all.
He never thought of thinking for himself at all.
I thought so little, they rewarded me
By making me the Ruler of the Whole Navee!
He thought so little, they rewarded he
By making him the Ruler of the Whole Navee!

6. Now landsmen all, whoever you may be,
If you want to rise to the top of the tree,
If your soul isn't fettered to an office stool,
Be careful to be guided by this golden rule
Be careful to be guided by this golden rule.
Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
And you all may be rulers of the Whole Navee!
Stick close to your desks and never go to sea,
And you all may be rulers of the Whole Navee!