Sergeant Larry Allen Johnson

 Vienam Tribute Podcasts

Remembering An American Hero
POSTED ON 9/19/13 - BY CURT CARTER
Dear SGT Larry Allen Johnson, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Classmate
POSTED ON 11/15/13 - BY TERRY KOCH
Larry, You and I were Classmates, graduating in 1965. The last time I saw you was at Lacon Lanes. You were home on leave, getting ready to go to Nam. I told you I had joined the Navy. You laughed, and said the Marines and Navy were under the same umbrella. That was you. Miss you classmate. We have lost 13 of us.

Lance Corporal Felipe Herrera

FELIPE HERRERA
Date of Birth:3/20/1948

Home of Record:

SAN ANTONIO, TX

February 1, 2017

On September 18, 1968, 10 Recon Marines went on patrol near Thuong Duc in Vietnam. Two days later, 8 of the team returned from the jungle with the bodies of of their comrades - Lcpl. Felipe Herrera and Sgt. Larry Johnson.

We spent time with some of those other 8 men, and how nearly 50 years later the death of Lcpl. Herrera and Sgt. Johnson still cause ripple effects for those who did make it home

Sergeant Larry A. Johnson

Date of Birth: 2/27/1947
Date of Casualty: 9/20/1968
Home of Record: VARNA, IL


Sergeant Larry A Johnson

1st Reconnaissance Battalion

Missions / Patrol Reports

Alpha Company

Call Sign: Lucky Lark

Patrol Report #089668

Opbration Order #733-68

Felipe Herrera

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Larry Allen Johnson (MCSN: 2232731), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 20 September 1968, Sergeant Johnson was the Assistant Patrol Leader of a reconnaissance team operating near Thoung Duc in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force and sustained several casualties. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Johnson boldly ran across fifteen meters of fire-swept terrain to the side of a wounded radioman where he took the radio and simultaneously administered first aid while he accurately directed air strikes upon the hostile soldiers, which disorganized their attack. Continuing his determined efforts, he skillfully directed helicopters into a landing zone to extract the beleaguered Marines and assisted in evacuating casualties. Alertly observing a fatally wounded Marine, he delayed his own extraction further while he maneuvered across the hazardous area to the casualty. Ignoring the intense enemy fire, he then carried his fallen comrade to a waiting helicopter and, while placing him aboard, Sergeant Johnson was mortally wounded. His heroic actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades were an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, resolute determination and steadfast devotion to duty, Sergeant Johnson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: September 20, 1968

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Sergeant

Company: Company A

Battalion: 1st Reconnaissance Battalion

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

Larry A Johnson

Not forgotten
POSTED ON 9/13/05 - BY DAVE KRUGER, 196TH LIB. 66-67
Larry, Although we never met, I just want you to know you are not forgotten. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for what you believed in. Sleep well my friend, and thank you for protecting the freedoms we enjoy today.
A true American Hero.

Larry is buried at First Lutheran Cemetery 
Varna, Illinois, USA
Latitude: 41.0658, Longitude: -89.2167

Larry Allen Johnson

ON THE WALL: Panel W43 Line 47

MILITARY DATA:

Service Branch: United States Marine Corps
Grade at loss: E5
Rank: Sergeant
ID No: 2232731
MOS: 2531: Field Radio Operator
Length Service: 02
Unit: A CO, 1ST RECON BN, 1ST MARDIV, III MAF
Start Tour: 05/01/1968
Incident Date: 09/20/1968
Casualty Date: 09/20/1968
Age at Loss: 21
Location: Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam
Remains: Body recovered
Casualty Type: Hostile, died outright
Casualty Reason: Ground casualty
Casualty Detail: Gun or small arms fire