Russell David Johnson (November 10, 1924 â January 16, 2014) was an American actor. He played Professor Roy Hinkley in Gilligan’s Island and Marshal Gib Scott in Black Saddle.
After graduating from high school, Johnson enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces as an aviation cadet. On completing his training, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He flew 44 combat missions in the Pacific Theater during World War II as a bombardier in B-25 twin-engined medium bombers. He was a part of the 100th Bombardment Squadron in the 42nd Bombardment Group in the 13th Airforce in the United States Army.
On March 4, 1945, Johnson was flying as a navigator with the 13th Air Force when his plane and two others were shot out of the sky while conducting a low-level bombing mission against Japanese military targets in the Philippine Islands. During the landing, Johnson’s co-pilot was killed, and he broke both ankles, which led to him being discharged as a First Lieutenant in November 1945. For his service and the injuries he incurred, Johnson was awarded the prestigious Purple Heart Medal. In addition to this medal, he was also awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.
Johnson was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant on November 22, 1945, then joined the United States Air Force Reserve serving until 1957.
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