The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Terry Jay Johnson, who died in the service of his country on September 25th, 1968 in Quang Duc Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Terry was 20 years of age. He was from Mora, Minnesota. Terry is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 42W, Line 12.
The decorations earned by PFC Terry Jay Johnson include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Silver Star, 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.
(The following was supplied by Terry's sister Jackie Bryant on 03/30/03)
Terry was born in Fargo, North Dakota, August 16, 1948 to Andrew H and Sadie Johnson. In 1952 we moved to a farm outside the small town of Ogilvie, MN. In 1955 we moved less than tem miles away to Mora, MN, another small town of about 2500 people, where he graduated in 1966 and was inducted into the Army a year later.
He is now survived by his mother Sadie and sister Jackie. His only other sister died of cancer ten years ago and his dad eight years ago.
He was a great person; loving, caring, kind and considerate. The two of us together were quite adventuresome as we were growing up. We were very close as he was only fifteen months older than me. We played together, fought with each other, but were each other's closest allies. Always there to standup and protect one another. He was and always will be "MY HERO". Needless to say Mom and I miss him very much.
Terry is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Mora, MN.
(From his Silver Star Citation)
On 25 September 1968 Private First Class Johnson's company was securing a defensive perimeter when it was suddenly attacked by a numerically superior force of North Vietnamese Regulars. As the intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, grenade and rocket fire poured into the company perimeter, PFC Johnson moved from his position of relative safety to engage an enemy element that was attempting to penetrate the perimeter. Successfully engaging the element, he forced them to retreat and break contact. Then noticing a wounded comrade exposed to the enemy fire, PFC Johnson rushed to his aid. While attempting to move his wounded comrade to safety, he was mortally wounded by the intense enemy fire.
Private First Class Johnson's personal bravery, determination, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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