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<p><em>Fredrick Arthur “Fred” Johnson</em> was born on June 28, 1938 in Ellensburg, WA to parents Theodore and Aileen Johnson. Fred’s father, a skilled craftsman, worked defense projects during World War II. His mother, a talented artist, cared for Fred and his five siblings. Fred’s youth was blessed with kind, gentle, and enthusiastic leadership from a very dedicated Scout leader, and Fred attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He enjoyed growing up in his small, rural hometown and made lasting friendships, many of whom joined him in days of wonderful hiking and climbing in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state. Fred summited Mount Stuart several times.</p>
<p>Curious as a young boy about the great military leaders of our country, he applied for entry to West Point and was accepted for the Class of 1960. Fred hopped on a Greyhound bus and traveled cross country to New York City, then made his way to the Academy to join the Long Gray Line. Plebe year began on the Plain on July 3, 1956 when he was sworn in as a cadet. Classmates who knew how to soldier coached him through Beast Barracks, after which he joined Company E-1.</p>
<p>On the first day of academics, he was tripped up by the first of two lung deflations. The second happened during the PT test, week two of Buckner. Those episodes, and surgery First Class year, created challenges. Missing the opportunity to get to know and work with classmates at Buckner was a huge loss. </p>
<p>Fred quickly discovered that academics and intramural sports were an escape from the rigors of plebe year. The snow-covered hills of winter around West Point looked like an easier version of those in Washington state, drawing Fred into the Ski Club for all four years. He played on many of E-1’s “intramurder” teams, including its regimental champion soccer team yearling year. A companymate said Fred was the “Peace Maker” and “Play Maker.” He would bring the ball down the field, pass it off to a teammate who either took the shot or passed it back for a give-and-go shot for Fred. Always the peace maker, Fred broke up a fight between his roommate and another E-1 student.</p>
<p>Duty with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, WA, along with many classmates, was fun. In 1963, Fred spent a short but grand time with Ned Loscuito while at HQ, 24th Infantry Division, Augsburg, Germany. He was drafted to HQ, VII Corps at Stuttgart, Germany, where he met and married Suzanne Gleason. In 1966 they rotated to Fort Benning, GA for AIOC, and their first son, Rick, was born there on October 17.</p>
<p>Fred joined the Long Toan advisory team at the mouth of the Mekong River in October 1967. By TET 1968, when Wally Crum was lost across the river channel to the north, Fred was district senior advisor. Fred submitted his resignation and served his last active duty with Fort Lewis AIT. His second son, Mitch, was born on January 14, 1970, just before his release from active duty.</p>
<p>His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Unit Citation Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, two Overseas Service Bars, Expert Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Marksman Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar, Bronze Star Medal, and Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal.</p>
<p>Fred began his civilian career with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and retired in 1994 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Over this period, he served with G-3, 124th ARCOM at Fort Lawton, WA and as commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, 415th Infantry Regiment (Training), 104th Division at Fort Lewis, completing his 20-plus years as an O-5 and retiring as lieutenant colonel.</p>
<p>After Fred and Suzanne divorced, he and Barb met and married, adding daughters Donna and Wende. Donna has since given them two grandchildren, Brett and Lauryn.</p>
<p>Fred loved to dance, and he and Barb were members of a dance troupe for many years. The “Follies” performed in Seattle theatres as well as at the White House, at Disney World and on the Holland America Cruise Line. He loved poetry and self-published his book, Spiritual Beings Like You—Like Me. As a volunteer driver who took seniors to medical appointments for 10 years, Fred was especially valuable escorting veterans to the VA. He and Barb were longtime guild members and volunteers at the local performing arts center and were ardent supporters of live theatre.</p>
<p>Fred passed away on July 3, 2022 at Swedish Edmonds Hospital in Edmonds, WA. He was interred on August 8, 2022 at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA with full military honors.</p>
<p><em>I owe immense gratitude to the men with whom I served in combat. Their dedication and unsung gallantry revealed a spirit of enormous proportions. Casualties of infants, local soldiers defending their homes, village women and elders, and my fellow advisors emblazoned a view of the worst that man can inflict on his fellowman. Enmity between the myriad belief systems of the struggling Vietnamese people sadly added an additional layer to the horrific conflict. That dreadful year strengthened my belief that there must be a common denominator where man is truly equal and can find peace. — Fredrick A. Johnson Spiritual Beings Like You—Like Me</em></p>
<p><em>— Forever loved and missed, Barb</em></p>
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