Vietnam Veteran Bob Johnson Shares His Journey of Sacrifice and Healing
Seargent Robert “Bob” Johnson taken the day he shipped out to Vietnam. Photo provided by Bob and used with his permission.
As Vietnam Veterans Day approaches, it's important to reflect on the experiences of those who served in the Vietnam War. Many of them didn’t receive the recognition and homecoming they deserved. Army Sergeant Bob Johnson shared his Vietnam experience and the journey he embarked on afterward with us in hopes that it could help other veterans.
Johnson's journey began when he was drafted into service, feeling it was his duty as a citizen to answer the call. After completing Basic Training at Fort Lewis, Advanced Individual (Infantry) Training at Fort Polk, and M113 Training at Fort Knox, he was sent to Vietnam as a replacement in the Americal (23rd Infantry) Division.
Assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment, 198th Light Infantry Brigade, Johnson served as an infantryman, fulfilling various roles such as M16 rifleman, M60 machine gunner, M79 grenade launcher, Pointman with an M14, and squad leader. As an infantryman, Johnson saw a lot of combat. In fact, the average infantryman in Vietnam saw 240 days of combat each year.
Pointman Johnson with his M14. Photo provided by Bob and used with his permission.
Reflecting on his time in Vietnam, Johnson shares a mix of emotions. He describes the beauty of the country's landscapes juxtaposed with the harsh realities of warfare – from the treacherous terrain to the constant threat of enemy attacks. It was a near constant rotation of setting up night ambushes and engaging in patrols in the dense jungles and remote villages of Vietnam.
Despite the camaraderie among his fellow soldiers, Johnson acknowledges it was difficult to form deep connections due to the ever-present danger of losing comrades in combat. It’s not easy to regularly lose best friends. However, Johson shares the bonds forged in survival are unbreakable, transcending differences in background or race.
Gunner Johnson and friends, August 1968. Photo provided by Bob and used with his permission.
One of the most memorable moments for Johnson was 22 March 1969, the day he was wounded by North Vietnamese Army (NVA) mortar rounds on LZ Professional, and was dusted-off (med-evac’d) to Chu Lai. “You always know this is possible, but never really believe it will happen to you.” The NVA didn’t like having LZ Professional overlooking one of their major gateways to the coast and were planning on launching a counteroffensive. Johnson’s injury was a “gift from God.” He recalls, “As I was recuperating in Japan and later at Madigan Hospital at Fort Lewis, my company was engaged in a major encounter with the enemy resulting in the death of several and wounding of many more. Our CO, Captain Kern Dunigan, who was also wounded several times, received the Congressional Medal of Honor because of his actions during that fateful day.”
Sergant Johnson at LZ Young, 1968. Photo provided by Bob and used with his permission.
Like many combat veterans, Johnson’s experiences had a lasting impact on his life – one that he struggled with for some time before getting help.
Through faith-based organizations, family, community, and work, Johnson coped. However, with Team Red, White & Blue, he found a way to reach out to, and be helpful to younger returning veterans. He was delighted also to regain his own health at age 77 and to find a true community with positive goals helpful to veterans of all ages. His commitment to service, discipline, and self-improvement serves as an inspiration for Eagle Nation.
Sergant Bob Johson today. Photo provided by Bob and used with his permission.
Join us this Vietnam Veterans Day as we honor Vietnam veterans like Bob Johnson with our Vietnam Battle Drill. Help us give them the recognition they deserve and make sure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
