The United States Navy Memorial Stories of Service Program is honored to announce the August 2025 story of the month has been selected to recognize the service of United States Navy Veteran, Machinist Mate Third Class Carl Philip Johnson Jr. The United States Navy Memorial Stories of Service Program was privileged to interview MM3 Johnson in July of 2025, a month before his 100th birthday.

To mark this occasion, a short passage was prepared which describes how the Navy Memorial Stories of Service Program learned of Phil and his story.

On June 2, 2025, ABH2 Dennis E. Steinour Sr., Vice President of the USS Saratoga Association contacted Dr. Fash, National Coordinator of the Navy Memorial Stories of Service Program with a special interview request and forwarded the email below.

To whom it may concern,

My 99 year old friend Phil Johnson has attended many CV3 reunions and in August he will have his 100th birthday.

Would it be possible to arrange an interview for posterity? He has a lot of stories about the crew and events through Iwo Jima and OCS. In the event you cannot or do not do interviews for the CV3 alumni magazine (?) maybe you can refer me to someone who would be interested in that interview.

Phil is in an Orlando/Apopka nursing home… his mind is extremely strong and engaging, as it was through his life.

I would appreciate any further consideration that you can provide.

Steve Ruebelman

Upon reading the message, Dr. Fash immediately alerted the team and began making preparations for a film crew member to visit MM3 Johnson and document his story. Richard Sherman, Navy Memorial Stories of Service Oral Historian, author, photographer, and U.S. Navy Veteran, volunteered without question to make the trip to speak with a sailor from the “CV-3.”

This publication, interview, and story could not have occurred without the extraordinary friendship between Steve Ruebelman and MM3 Johnson. Without his vision and caring for his dear friend, we would not be able to recognize MM3 Johnson’s story today. A special thank you to ABH2 Dennis E. Steinour Sr., Vice President of the USS Saratoga Association and true partner to the Navy Memorial Stories of Service Program who believes in our mission and value of documenting the stories of our Nation’s Veterans, one interview at a time, and to Richard Sherman, for leading our effort to interview MM3 Johnson.

The following is a forward by Richard Sherman, Navy Memorial Stories of Service Oral Historian who had the opportunity to interview MM3 Johnson:

“It was a privilege to meet Phil Johnson and to hear his story. In this video, he shares his experiences of service, of his family and shipmates, and of surviving five kamikaze attacks on his ship, the USS Saratoga (CV-3), during the Battle of Iwo Jima. But what struck me most was his wit and humility. I think it comes through in the video. You can still see that twinkle in his eye that tells you the kind of guy Phil Johnson has always been. I hope you enjoy hearing his story as much as I did.”

The August 2025 Story of the Month has been published on MM3 Johnson’s 100th birthday, August 7th, 2025. The following is the official Navy Memorial Story of the Month publication, written by Dr. Matthew Fash, celebrating the service of MM3 Carl “Phil” Johnson Jr. This Story of the Month is dedicated to Phil and his family.

“On this occasion of his 100th birthday, we pause to honor and celebrate the extraordinary life of Phil Johnson —a man whose courage, humor, and humility have left an indelible mark on all who know him. A veteran of World War II, a devoted husband and father, and a lifelong learner, Phil’s story is one of resilience, service, and quiet heroism.

Born in 1925, Phil was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1943, at the height of World War II. Though a member of the draft board almost sent Phil the way of the Army, fate—and a wry sense of humor—landed him in the Navy. “Good,” he told the recruiter after being assigned to the Navy, “I wanted the Navy anyway.” That quick wit would serve him well in the years to come.

Phil was assigned to the USS Saratoga (CV-3), the oldest aircraft carrier in the fleet at the time. His first role aboard ship was carrying supplies including milk until one day he was pulled aside—his high school typing class, taken mostly to be near girls, had unexpectedly qualified him for a unique role that required the art of writing and typing. His attention to detail and honesty impressed his commanding officer, Lieutenant Alvin H. Anderson, who needed a sailor who possessed the very skills that Phil had. Phil’s role in the log room became a turning point, offering him a safer post and a chance to contribute in a way that would shape his Navy career.

But safety was never guaranteed aboard the Saratoga. On February 21, 1945, just days after the invasion of Iwo Jima, the ship was attacked by a wave of Japanese planes that were intended for one mission and known as kamikazes. Phil was stationed at the air intakes on the starboard side when the attack began. He watched in horror as one of the planes came straight toward him. He scrambled down the ladder, scraping his arm, only to discover that his closest friend had been killed in the adjacent intake. The attack claimed 131 lives and wounded nearly 200 more. The Saratoga burned for hours, and it was only through the bravery and coordination of its crew that the ship was saved.

One of the unsung heroes of that night was a Marine named William “Bill” Johnston who volunteered to be lowered over the side of the ship to fight the fire with a hose. He worked tirelessly through the night, waist-deep in water, risking his life, extinguishing the flames. Though an officer received the Silver Star for the effort, Phil never forgot his shipmates sacrifice and selfless courage.

After the war, Phil returned home and married his childhood sweetheart. He tried his hand at several jobs before finding his calling with the telephone company in 1947. He worked there for decades, building a life grounded in service, family, and community. Every year on February 21st, he met with his old shipmate—the man he had replaced on the Saratoga—to honor the memory of that fateful day.

Phil’s story is not just one of war, but of wisdom, humor, and heart. And he turned every challenge into an opportunity to lead, to serve, and to remember.

Today, as Phil Johnson celebrates a century of life, we salute not only his service but his spirit. He is a living testament to the power of resilience, the value of integrity, and the enduring strength of the human heart.

Happy 100th Birthday, MM3 Johnson. Thank you for your service, your stories, and your example. You are a true American hero.”

In recognition of his service to the United States Navy during World War Two on the USS Saratoga CV-3 and to commemorate his 100th birthday, the following proclamation was presented to MM3 Johnson on August 7th, 2025

The United States Navy Memorial honors World War Two and United States Navy Veteran, Machinist Mate Third Class Carl Philip Johnson Jr. featured within this series titled, Tales from the Navy Log, Story of the Month. Each month, this series honors a Veteran’s story recorded by the Stories of Service Program at the Navy Memorial. To learn more about this story and to explore the Navy Memorial archive, visit the Navy Memorial Stories of Service site at https://www.navymemorial.org/stories-of-service