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JOE A. JOHNSON
US ARMY

Joe Alan Johnson was born Friday, February 1, 1946, in  Westminster. He grew up on a farm there and graduated from Westminster High School in the Class of 1964. He joined the Army in early 1968, and reported for duty in Vietnam in June. After arriving at  Cu Chi, just northwest of Saigon,  he was assigned to A Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry,, whose headquarters was at Tay Ninh, near the border with Cambodia. November 27, was the day before Thanksgiving in 1968. An intense battle was raging in an area near the border with Cambodia and reinforcements were needed. One of those reinforcements was radio operator, SP4 Joe A. Johnson. When the helicopter he was riding in touched down at a landing zone in the midst of battle, he followed right behind his commanding officer, Lt. Mike Parr from Ft. Worth, and the hit the ground running. Minutes later they were both dead. Joe Johnson was 22 years old, and is buried in the Elm Grove Cemetery in Westminster. His name can be found on The Wall at Panel 38W, Row 75.

Medals Awarded:
BRONZE STAR
PURPLE HEART
COMBAT INFANTRYMAN'S BADGE
GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL
VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL
VIETNAM CAMPAIGN RIBBON
MILITARY MERIT MEDAL
GALLANTRY CROSS with PALM 

(click on picture for large view)

   

Lt. Mike Parr, from Ft. Worth, was Joe's Commanding Officer. They were together when they died.

 
   

Citation
BY DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT

THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL
(POSTHUMOUSLY)
IS PRESENTED TO

SPECIALIST FOUR JOE A. JOHNSON, US67126213, UNITED STATES ARMY

Bronze Star

Bronze Star

Who distinguished himself by outstandingly meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. During the period

6 JUNE TO 27 NOVEMBER 1968

he consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a combat environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities, he invariably performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Energetically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

 

 

COMPANY A
4TH BATTALION 9TH INFANTRY (MANCHU)
APO San Francisco 96268

Mrs. Ruby I. Johnson
General Delivery
Westminster, Texas
Dear Mrs. Johnson:
Please accept my most profound sympathy on the loss of your husband, Specialist Four E-4 Joe A. Johnson, US67126213, Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, AFC 96268, who died in the service of his country on November 27, 1968. On the afternoon of November 27, 1968, at approximately 2:00 P.M., Joe was participating in an eagle flight, in the vicinity of Tay Ninh, Republic of Vietnam, when the company’s landing zone came under intense small arms fire attack from an enemy force. Joe was mortally wounded in the attack. It may be of comfort to know that the end came quickly and he suffered no pain.

Your husband’s death is keenly felt by his fellow soldiers. I sincerely hope the knowledge that Joe was an exemplary soldier who died in the service of his country will comfort you in this hour of great sorrow. At the request of his comrades a memorial service will be conducted they the Brigade and Battalion Chaplains as soon as military operations permit.

Personally, and for the officers and men of this company, please accept this letter as a symbol of our sympathy.

Sincerely,
William E. Shea
1Lt. Infantry
Commanding

If you would like to leave a memorial message in the memory of Joe Johnson, Go Here.

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