THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Medal of Honor citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Sp4 Donald Johnston, Thank you for your service as an Indirect Fire Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Thank you for your MEDAL OF HONOR. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It's almost Columbus Day. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Paying my respects to you on the 50th anniversary of your heroic death. Thank you for serving our country and giving the ultimate sacrifice. You were a brave soldier. Rest in peace.

Donald Ray Johnston
Date of birth: November 19, 1947
Date of death: March 21, 1969
Burial location: Fort Benning, Georgia
Place of Birth: Georgia, Columbus
Home of record: Columbus Georgia
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Medal of Honor

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Donald Ray Johnston (ASN: 53455789), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 21 March 1969. Specialist Fourth Class Johnston distinguished himself while serving as a Mortarman with Company D, at a fire support base in Tay Ninh Province. Specialist Fourth Class 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. Specialist Fourth Class Johnston and six of his comrades had moved from their exposed positions to one of the bunkers to continue their fight against the enemy attackers. As they were firing from the bunker, an enemy soldier threw three explosive charges into their position. Sensing the danger to his comrades, Specialist Fourth Class 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 six of his comrades. Specialist Fourth Class 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 United States Army.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 11 (March 9, 1971)

Action Date: 21-Mar-69

Service: Army

Rank: Specialist Fourth Class

Company: Company D

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 8th Cavalry Regiment

Division: 1st Cavalry Division

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 Don.