It was called the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment.

After his promotion to lieutenant colonel, he was ordered to organize and command the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment.

On 14 February 1942, the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment was formed.

On 2 March 1942, the unit was re-designated as the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment.

Wollaton Park was shared as a base camp with the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

(The 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment was used in its place.)

He was assigned to Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

To replace these losses the 541st Parachute Infantry Regiment was ordered to provide men to fill the holes left by those who went.

Once ashore, the Parachute Infantry Regiment cleared the river bank and assaulted the highway bridge.

Johnson went on to form and command the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment.