JOHNSTON, DONALD R.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division
Place: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam
JOHNSTON, DONALD R.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company D, 1st
Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division
Place: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam
Date: 21 March 1969
Entered service at: Columbus, Georgia
Born: 19 November 1947, Columbus, Georgia
Citation:
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
--- General / Personal ---
Last name: JOHNSTON
First name: DONALD RAY
Home of Record (official): COLUMBUS
State (official): GA
Date of Birth: Wednesday, November 19, 1947
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Single
--- Military ---
Branch: Army
Rank: SP4
Serial Number: 53455789
Component: Selective Service
Pay grade: E4
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11C20
--- Action ---
Start of Tour: Thursday, July 25, 1968
Date of Casualty: Friday, March 21, 1969
Age at time of loss: 21
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Multiple fragmentation wounds (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Tay Ninh
The Wall: Panel 29W - Row 104
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Back to:Medal Of Honor Recipients