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The New York Times for 20 January 1965, carried a brief article stating that the Department of the Army had released the name of Captain <em>Richard S. Johnson </em>as "missing in combat in Vietnam” while serving as an advisor with a South Vietnamese Group. For those of us who knew Dick, the announcement the following day of his being killed in action came as an even greater shock. The forewarning made the tragic news all the more unacceptable.</div>
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Richard Sherwin Johnson was born in Richmond, Virginia, on 4 January 1936. Living in and attending the schools of that great city, the “Capital of the Confederacy," he acquired the traits which have come to identify an era: graciousness, warmth, and hospitality. From his family he inherited the smile which was to so mark his character and personality and which was to endear him to all who came in contact with him. This warmth, generosity, and friendliness served to bind the strong friendships and loyalties of those who knew him well.</div>
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Entering the Academy in 1954, Dick brought with him a love of life and its great treasures of literature, art, and music, an appreciation for the idealism and noble traditions of his country, and a strong feeling of admiration and respect for that great American drama, the War Between the States.</div>
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Upon graduation in June 1958, he was commissioned in the Air Force. Later, during flight training, however, Dick became aware of the fact that he lacked a very essential requirement for flying, something which could not have been detected earlier, visual depth perception. He said he was unable to perceive the difference between being 50 feet off the deck and a sure crash heading when making a landing. Since this caused some understandable consternation among his flight instructors, it meant the premature end of a brilliant flying career and reassignment to ground duties at Randolph AFB, Texas. It was here that Dick met and later married Jcan J. Ryder of Kettering, Ohio.</div>
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Air Force ground duty and staff work was not enough of a challenge to Dick so he applied for and received a transfer to the Army, with Infantry as his branch choice. This change of service brought him back to Fort Benning, to troops, and to airborne training.</div>
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A permanent assignment followed with Dick commanding a company at Benning for a year. For Jean and Dick this was to be a most enjoyable tour, for it meant not only self-satisfying and responsible duties for Dick, but also the opportunity of meeting and renewing many friendships with friends and classmates passing through the “Home of the Infantry” for both of them.</div>
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In Vietnam he was assigned as advisor to a South Vietnamese Army Group in Binh Tuy Province. Dick’s compound was at Ham Tan.</div>
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The Viet Cong attacked on Sunday, 17 January 1965, while Dick’s unit was on a search and destroy mission. “...The unit came under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire from a large Viet Cong force. During the fierce battle that ensued. Captain Johnson placed accurate and devastating fire onto the insurgent positions. He continued firing in this manner until he fell, mortally wounded.” This quote, taken from the award of the Bronze Star Medal and signed by General W. C. Westmoreland, continues, “Captain Johnson’s gallantry and devotion to duty were inspirational as he remained at his post in the face of overwhelming odds...</div>
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Dick was awarded his Bronze Star Medal with “V” (for valor), Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, and two Vietnamese medals, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm Leaf Cluster and the National Order Medal. In addition, Dick held the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Expert Pistol Medal.</div>
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Richard S. Johnson was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on 28 January 1965. The Rev. George M. Bean, former Cadet Chaplain, conducted the service.</div>
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Dick leaves his wife, Jean; a stepdaughter, Janice; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Sherwin Johnson; and a sister, Linda.</div>
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O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly; grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what Thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of Wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in Thy light we may see light, and in Thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.</div>
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<em>—The Book of Common Prayer</em></div>