THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Barbara Suter Potter is poignant and reflects her admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Lt Ronald Johnston, Thank you for your service as a Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander - Helicopter Pilot. 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.

First Lieutenant Ronald Lee Johnston, Served with the 174th Assault Helicopter Company, 14th Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Ron was a helicopter pilot with 174th AHC, 14th AVN, 1st Aviation BDE. He was on a Military mission when his aircraft lost power and crashed in the vicinity of Ninh Hoa area, Khanh Hoa Province. RIP Ron, your bravery, courage and dedication to your country will never be forgotten.

As a forth grader, my class was assigned pen pals who were serving in the war. I was fortunate enough to communicate with Ronald Johnston. I have accurate memories of his weekly letters and the mention of his wife at home. He was generous enough to send dolls to me and my younger sister. He also sent hand woven bookmarks and samples of Vietnamese money, in order to show me a bit of the culture in that foreign land.

I can't tell you how often I have thought of him over the years. As a nine year old, one doesn't actually think about what may have happened when letters stop abruptly. As I grew up I frequently thought that he probably would have written to say he was going home, if that was in fact what had happened. He was so reliable in his writing that it would have been uncharacteristic of him to merely stop writing with no explanation.

I live only three hours from the Vietnam Memorial and have been in DC several times over the years. I have seen it from a distance, but never up close enough to look for his name. I wasn't even sure that I remembered his name correctly, but when I finally Googled his name, it only took one try to find him. The date of casualty and home state, confirmed my result. I don't know why O never ran a search before this. Maybe I didn't really want to know what happened.

I suppose it is never too late to give thanks to our fallen heroes and their families for their sacrifices. So, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you 1LT Ronald L. Johnston for that sacrifice. You certainly made an impact on my life that I will always remember.

To Ronald II: I can tell you from a child's memory that your father was a kind and thoughtful man. He spoke of your mother lovingly and he would have been a wonderful father and role model for you. I hope that those who knew him were able to fill you with his spirit.

It is amazing how memories stick with us after all of these years. I will make a point of going to the memorial now that I know where to find his name.

Forever remembered,

Barbara A. Potter (Suter)