Many people are unaware, but the actor who played the Professor on Gilligan’s Island, Russell Johnson, served as a bombardier with the 13th Air Force during WWII and was shot down and... stranded on a deserted island in the Pacific!
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 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.
On March 4, 1945, while flying as a navigator in a B-25 with the 100th Bombardment Squadron, 42nd Bombardment Group, 13th Air Force, his B-25 and two others were shot down during a low-level bombing and strafing run against Japanese military targets in the Philippine Islands. The B-25s encountered heavy anti-aircraft fire, and all three had to ditch in the sea off Zamboanga. Johnson broke both ankles in the landing, and his bomber's co-pilot was killed.
Johnson received a Purple Heart for his injuries. He was also awarded the Air Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one campaign star, and the World War II Victory Medal. Johnson was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant on November 22, 1945, then joined the United States Air Force Reserve.
After the war, Johnson used the GI Bill to study acting, eventually building a steady Hollywood career before landing his most iconic role as the endlessly resourceful Professor on Gilligan’s Island. Fans often joked that the Professor could build anything out of coconuts but the calm, capable demeanor he brought to the role was rooted in real‑world experience. His transition from decorated combat aviator to beloved sitcom star remains one of the most surprising and compelling career arcs in American entertainment history.
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