Donald R. Johnston

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Donald R. Johnston
November 19, 1947(1947-11-19) – March 21, 1969 (aged 21)

Army Medal of Honor
Place of birth Columbus, Georgia
Place of death Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Rank Specialist Fourth Class
Unit 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Awards Medal of Honor

Donald R. Johnston (November 19, 1947 – March 21, 1969) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Johnston joined the Army from his birth city of Columbus, Georgia, and by March 21, 1969 was serving as a specialist fourth class in Company D, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. On that day, in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, Johnston smothered the blasts of three enemy-thrown explosives with his body, sacrificing his life to protect those around him.

Johnston, aged 21 at his death, was buried at the Fort Benning Post Cemetery in Georgia.

[edit] Medal of Hononr

Specialist Johnston's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Johnston distinguished himself while serving as a mortarman with Company D, at a fire support base in Tay Ninh Province. Sp4c. Johnston's company was in defensive positions when it came under a devastating rocket and mortar attack. Under cover of the bombardment, enemy sappers broke through the defensive perimeter and began hurling explosive charges into the main defensive bunkers. Sp4c. Johnston and 6 of his comrades had moved from their exposed positions to 1 of the bunkers to continue their fight against the enemy attackers. As they were firing from the bunker, an enemy soldier threw 3 explosive charges into their position. Sensing the danger to his comrades, Sp4c. Johnston, with complete disregard for his safety, hurled himself onto the explosive charges, smothering the detonations with his body and shielding his fellow soldiers from the blast. His heroic action saved the lives of 6 of his comrades. Sp4c. Johnston's concern for his fellow men at the cost of his life were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

[edit] See also

[edit] References