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Nor-Cal Supply Co.
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The History of Nor-Cal Supply Company

Nor-Cal Supply Company was founded in 1950 by Sam Johnstone, a former Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
The company started as a war assets distributor for the War Assets Administration of the federal government and
specialized in military parts, equipment and hardware. By the late 1950's, Nor-Cal Supply narrowed its line of
distribution to aircraft and aerospace hardware, ended its partnership with the federal government and became a
California Corporation. The company was first located at several Quonset huts on the north field of Oakland
International Airport and moved to its present location, a 15,000 square foot office and warehouse facility in San
Leandro, CA in 1962.

Mr. Johnstone continued to lead the company and served as President for the next four decades. In 1999,
Sam Anderson, Mr. Johnstone's grandson, joined Nor-Cal Supply full-time. Although Mr. Anderson had worked at
the company off and on since he was 10 years old (in the warehouse, pulling stock, sweeping the floors, etc.), it wasn't
until he graduated from college that he was brought on full-time. Today, Nor-Cal Supply Company is in its third
generation of family ownership being lead by Mr. Anderson.

About Sam Johnstone (Dec. 1918 - Dec. 2009)
Mr. Johnstone was a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps. (now the U.S. Air Force) from 1941 to 1945. He volunteered
for service the day after Pearl Harbor was bombed. Mr. Johnstone was the pilot of a B-17 (Flying Fortress) on 25
(plus one) missions over occupied Europe in WWII. His bombing group was the first replacement crew of WWII and he
was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and numerous other medals for his service. Mr. Johnstone served as
President of Nor-Cal Supply Company until his passing in December 2009.

Day of Sam's, far left, 26th and final mission over Europe.
8/16/43
Sam Johnstone, far left, and crew with Bob Hope, Frances Langford and Tony Ramano. London 1943, from left to right, Dry Martini, Sam and Joe Bolye.

 

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