F AMOUS C LIP A RT:
Lyndon B. Johnson created and edited by Blake Linton Wilfong
a.k.a. The Wondersmith! You must read and agree to the
before using Famous ClipArt images.
Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) became 36th president of the United States less than two hours after the assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. His escalation of American involvement in the Vietnam War caused much national dissension. When World War II began in September, 1939, as a member of the House Naval Affairs Committee, Johnson helped plan a naval air training base, a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, and ship building sites, all at Texas locations. During the 1940 election campaign, Johnson headed the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and in that same year, won reelection to the House. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Hawaii, and the next day, Johnson became the first member of Congress to enter active duty, sworn in as a lieutenant commander stationed in New Zealand and Australia. General Douglas MacArthur ultimately decorated him with the Silver Star for gallantry in action while attacked by Japanese fighter planes during a flight over enemy territory. In the spring of 1942, while still overseas, Johnson's supporters entered him as candidate for reelection, and he won without opposition. In July 1942, Roosevelt recalled to Washington all congressmen serving in the armed forces. During the 1940s, Mrs. Johnson, an intelligent, ambitious woman, developed a profitable business venture while her husband occupied himself in public office and the war. With an inheritance from her parents she bought a failing radio station in Austin. In the years to come, the LBJ Company, Inc. grew to control several radio-television stations, a bank, and real estate holdings. Johnson served five successive full terms in the House. During this time he also studied at Georgetown University Law School. In 1948 and 1954 he was elected to the United States Senate, establishing himself as an effective and persuasive party leader. Accustomed to working 18 hours a day, he suffered a severe heart attack in the summer of 1955. But by the next session of Congress, five months later, he was back at work. | |
|
