THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear PFC Jerry Johnson, Thank you for your service with B Battery, 1st Battalion, 7th Artillery. Your 78th birthday is soon, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

The following is from the 1996 book THE FACES BEHIND THE NAMES by Don Ward. The book encompasses the stories and photos of hundreds of Minnesota soldiers killed in action in Vietnam. The stories are mostly told by family members. The military picture of Jerry Johnson is the same photo that is in the book. In the words of Jerry Johnson's family:

JERRY ALLEN JOHNSON
Army Private First Class
Born: August 15, 1941
Died: August 9, 1965

Jerry Allen Johnson was born August 15, 1941 to Harvey and Bernice (Muns) Johnson of Fillmore County, Minnesota. He had three sisters, Yvonne, Marilyn, and Rose Marie, and one brother, Harold. His grandmother, Celia was still living at the time of his death. Jerry was baptized at the South Fork Church. He went to school at Choice County School and at Rushford Public School. He completed the tests of General Development, high school level, while in the Army in May of 1964.
Jerry liked to hunt, fish and play baseball. He was a hard worker at whatever he did.
Pfc. Jerry Allen Johnson commenced his tour of duty in Vietnam on June 13, 1965. He was assigned to Battery B, 1st Battalion, 7th Artillery. Jerry was killed on August 9, 1965. He received the Purple Heart, the Medal of Honor, Second Class, Republic of Vietnam, the National Defense Ribbon, the Expert Marksmanship Badge with rifle bar, the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze and two silver stars, and the Gold Star Lapel Button.
A letter from Jerry's friend stated that Jerry was a man who did everything he was told; the more he was told, the more he did. Everyone liked him in the unit. The day he was killed, even though he was ill, he was sent out on detail and ran into heavy fighting.
A letter from John Norton, Brigadier General, said that Jerry was a "fine and brave man, who served his country with a profound devotion and exceptional ability. His performance of duty set an outstanding example for all that knew him."

The family of Jerry A. Johnson

Dear PFC Jerry Allen Johnson, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Photo was taken from the historic book “THE FACES BEHIND THE NAMES - The Vietnam War” with the permission of author Don Ward. Thank you Mr. Ward.

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in peace and honor Jerry.