Carlton Jerry Johnson

Conflicts & Campaigns

• Vietnam (KIA during Operation Wayne Grey Hill 947 Kon Turn Vietnam).
• October 6, 1968 - March 6, 1969

Significant Duty Stations

• 4th Platoon, D Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment,
• 4th Infantry Division

Decorations & Citations

• Combat Infantryman Badge;
• Purple Heart; Silver Star Medal; National Defense Medal;
• Vietnam Service Medal; Medal: Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal;

Notes

Born; Cairo, Georgia. US Army service number 53-703-553. Killed by hostile ground fire Kontum Province, South Vietnam; Lt Bauer (4th Platoon Leader) Recalled the Event: It was on the morning of the 6th of March that the saddest event of my life took place. Moving from position to position, I was busy checking the troops. I went to the farthest right of my strung-out platoon and asked the whereabouts of Johnson. Several of the men in the foxholes did not utter a word, they just pointed. I moved forward to a foxhole a good several meters out in front of the main line. It served as an observation post and had the best view of an enemy approach. When I got there I saw Johnson, dead, being cradled by his best buddy, machine gunner Ralph Marquez. Johnson had a single bullet hole in his neck or head. As I remember, that scene touches me deeply to this day. I knew Johnson well and was given to great sadness, but I knew I was not free to show it. Other men were watching closely and as the platoon leader I had to act. I said "All right c'mon, let's get him out of here. I grabbed Johnson's legs and together with Marquez at his arms, lifted him out. We carried him to a corner by a bomb crater, laid him with the other dead, and put a poncho over him. Vietnam Wall Panel 30W Line 46. Burial Greenwood Cemetery, Cairo, Georgia.