35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  SGT Joe Edward Johnson    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Bravo Company
1st Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment
Vietnam War

"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"
National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal


The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SGT Joe Edward Johnson, who died in the service of his country on July 3rd, 1966 in Pleiku Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Multi-Frag. At the time of his death Joe was 24 years of age. He was from Tuscumbia, Alabama. Joe is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 08E, Line 124.

The decorations earned by SGT Joe Edward Johnson include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

Burial:
Oakwood Cemetery
Tuscumbia
Colbert County
Alabama, USA

(His BSV Citation)

General Orders 79, Award of The Bronze Star for Heroism, 25th Division, 19 August 1966

For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Sergeant Johnson distinguished himself by heroic actions on 3 July 1966 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Sergeant Johnson was serving as fore team leader in the 3rd Platoon, B, 1/35th Infantry, which was conducting a search and destroy mission. His unit was ambushed and came under heavy fire from at least a reinforced company of the NVA and was surrounded. Sergeant Johnson immediately had his fire team return fire on the enemy and take up the best firing positions possible. He directed the actions of his men in a clam and courageous manner; pointing out enemy targets for his fire team and leading them forward to better positions. Observing one of his men wounded and realizing that the aid man had been killed, Sergeant Johnson willingly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire to give first aid to the wounded man. While performing this unselfish and courageous act, Sergeant Johnson lost his life to enemy small arms fire. This outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.