Johnston, Clement Dixon, 1895-1979

Clement Dixon Johnston (1895-1979), a native of Louisville, Kentucky, graduated from Centre College in 1916. He began a career in business and public affairs in 1926 when he founded the Roanoke (Virginia) Public Warehouse. Johnston served at various times as president of the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce (1934), deputy director of the U.S. Office of Civil Defense Planning (1947-1948), president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (1954-1955), and special representative of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee to study the foreign aid program in Southeast Asia (1956-1967). In 1960, he served as president of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce.

During World War I, Johnston served as an Infantry Captain and Company Commander in the Panama Canal Zone. He retained reserve status until accepting a World War II assignment. He was Warehouse Officer for the Army Ordinance Field Service for nearly three years. Johnston completed his war service in China as Ordinance Supply Officer and Staff Quartermaster for "Z" forces under General Stillwell.