Julian Sears Johnston was born at Somerset, Kentucky, the son of Clifton Marceni Johnston and Savella Emmaline “Emma” Sears. Husband of Marjorie Fay Kerns.

Julian S. Johnston died non battle. He was initially buried at the USAF Cemetery, Finschaffen #2 at British New Guinea and reburied at Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines, Plot A, Row 1, Grave 17.

The Chattanooga Daily Times, 25 September 1944
First Lt. Julian S. Johnston, member of a prominent Hamilton County family, was killed in an air crash at Hollandia, New Guinea, on Sept. 15, the War Department notified the officer’s widow, the former Miss Marjorie Kerns. Lt. Johnston was the son of Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Johnston, 3811 North View Avenue. Two of his uncles, James and Wheeler R. Johnston, were star baseball players in the major leagues for a number of years. A reconnaissance officer, Lt. Johnston, at the time of his death, was in traning as an artillery spotter, and it is believed that he was killed while on a training flight, his widow said. He was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1935, and was employed at the Cavalier Corporation when he entered the service in February, 1941. Lt. Johnston married Miss Kerns, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Kerns, 3414 Alta Vista Drive, in January, 1943, and went overseas in April of that year. He was a member of the 109th Tennessee National Guard and when the guard unit was taken into the army he became a member of a field artillery unit. He received his basic training at Camp Forrest and his officer’s instruction at Fort Sill, Okla. He saw action in the New Guinea campaign.

  • Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Date of birth:
  • 17 February 1916
  • Date of death: 15 September 1944
  • County: Hamilton
  • Hometown: Chattanooga
  • Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
  • Division/Assignment: 63rd Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division
  • Theater: Pacific
  • Conflict: World War II
  • Burial/Memorial Location: Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines
  • Location In Memorial: Pillar XI, Bottom Panel
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