THE WALL OF FACES

To my wonderful friend and classmate. I recall sharing a cooking class with you, just the 2 of us and the instructor, in fall of 59 or spring of 60. Anyway, in those days, a college class would go forward even if it only had 2 students. It was at Sierra College when it was across the street from Placer Union High. We shared so many cooking errors and laughter. The teacher often left the room as we were each to much to handle, LOL. I have never forgotten that life offered me and very special chance to get to know you as a friend. Your wife Margy was in my class at Place of 59. God Bless you always and know you are always remembered, loved and treasured for your gift of life and curiosity.

On December 3, 1965, a flight of six UH-34D's from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM 364) were carrying a full complement of ARVN troops whose destination was an outpost known as Hiep Duc, just west of Tam Ky. The entire area was noted for being a very “hot spot.” CAPT Kirk I. Riley and his crew were the lead aircraft, #148762. The following is a personal account by Ken Gross of the loss of Riley’s aircraft: “We tried to go in as high as possible, though we were limited by somewhat low ceilings, which may have placed us approximately 2000 feet above ground level. The flight was in normal cruise when the Viet Cong fired on us with time delay fused mortars. Unfortunately, CAPT Riley's aircraft received a direct hit in the belly, where the fuel tanks were located, and they never stood a chance. CAPT Riley tried desperately to get the aircraft on the ground, but it was burning so fiercely he appeared to lose control and the aircraft rolled inverted and crashed. No one survived.” The lost crew included Aircraft Commander Riley, co-pilot 1LT Stanley G. Johnson, crew chief CPL Robert H. White, and gunner CPL Warren L. Dempsey. In addition to the four crewmembers, there were nine ARVN troops aboard the aircraft. Neither the bodies nor the aircraft were recovered. (Narrative by Kenneth L. Gross, Maj. USMCR, Ret.) [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and popasmoke.com]

I am so happy you have finally come home. I have thought of you many times over the years and hoped you would someday be found and returned to us. May God hold you in his arms and reunite you with your family. Thankyou for your service and sacrifice.

From the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency - August 5, 2016

Marine Missing From Vietnam War Accounted For (Johnson)
By | August 05, 2016

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Stanley Johnson, missing from the Vietnam War, has now been accounted for.

On Dec. 3, 1965, Johnson was the co-pilot of an UH-34D helicopter assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, tasked to insert Army of the Republic of Viet Nam troops into South Vietnam. Johnson’s aircraft, with three other Americans and nine Vietnamese soldiers onboard, was hit by enemy fire. At 100 to 200 feet above the ground with the entire cargo compartment in flames, the helicopter lost one of its main rotor blades, and crashed approximately 30 kilometers west of Tam Ky Town. Everyone onboard the aircraft was killed in the crash.
Between 1993 and 2008, joint U.S./Socialist Republic of Vietnam (S.R.V.) teams traveled to the area and conducted investigations which resulted in multiple excavations at the incident crash site and possible burial locations.
Lab analysis, in conjunction with the totality of circumstantial evidence available, established Johnson’s remains were included.
Interment services are pending. Welcome home and rest in peace, 1st Lt. Johnson.

Stan was a sweet guy. He entered into the ROTC program at Placer Union High School. I am sure he planned to make a career in the Marines. I remember his smile. It was contagious and made you smile. He was the only child and his father had passed before he graduated. He was a great guy and I know he is missed by his friends.