Family remembers, visits father’s legacy at Eglin [PHOTOS]

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Descendants of Maj. Simon Johnson, the Airman whose name adorns Eglin’s Building 1, paid a visit to his legacy on the eve of completion of its new outdoor renovation here June 7.

Sue Taylor, Johnson’s daughter, and her family met with 96th Test Wing leadership and toured the building.

Johnson, a deputy commander in the Fighter Section 1st Air Proving Ground Group, also held the roles of commanding officer, operations officer and test pilot of the fighter squadron.

During an air power demonstration, Johnson’s F-84 Thunderjet disintegrated over the Eglin Test and Training Range May 11, 1948.

When the Air Proving Ground Command headquarters was completed in 1949, it was named Johnson Hall in his honor.  It is now the 96th TW headquarters.

After touring the building with the base historian, Alan Landers, the family members stopped at the famed painting of Johnson by Brookes Mosbleck from 1953.

“Seeing his painting consistently honored over the years is something special. It showed my children the esteem he was held in, remembering what a fine man he was,” said Taylor of her father.

“We don’t ever want him forgotten.”

The family took photos in front of the painting and the Johnson Hall plaque at the front entrance.