Joe Barton: “February 12, 1973, I was a graduate student at the Krannert School in Purdue University up in West Lafayette, Indiana…”

“February 12, 1973, I was a graduate student at the Krannert School in Purdue University up in West Lafayette, Indiana, just another day for me; for Lieutenant Colonel Sam Johnson, it was the first day he had been able to breathe free air in over 7 years. If we look in the dictionary under ``patriot,'' we ought to see Sam Johnson. If we look in the dictionary under ``hero,'' we ought to see Sam Johnson. Director of the Top Gun school; Thunderbird pilot; decorated for two wars, Vietnam and Korea; holder of two Silver Stars; two Legions of Merit; the Distinguished Flying Cross; one Bronze Star with Valor; two Purple Hearts; four Air Medals; and three outstanding unit citations. By any means he is a hero. He is an American patriot. He is my friend. I am glad he is in the House of Representatives. God bless you, Sam and Shirley Johnson.”