HM2 Michael Vann Johnson, Jr., USN, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Iraq :Purple Heart Recipient.
Hospitalman 2nd Class Michael V. Johnson, Jr., US Navy, a beloved corpsman (Navy corpsmen are the Marine Corps' combat paramedics), gave his life
for his brother Marines in the early days of the war to liberate Iraq.
Doc Johnson was traveling in a Hummer as his unit assaulted enemy positions south of Baghdad. His unit, the legendary 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, out of Camp Pendleton, California, was in fierce fighting with the enemy when
a rocket-propelled grenade struck Doc's vehicle. The weapon exploded and shrapnel killed Doc instantly.
Doc was working in the clinic aboard the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego when the call went out for corpsman volunteers to go to war with deploying Marine units. Doc Johnson immediately
answered the call and gave his life because of his sense of duty. Doc was posthumously promoted to HM2 and awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
Today, the clinic at MCRD San Diego is officially named Johnson Hall in memory of this selfless sailor who wanted only to protect his brothers.
Fair winds and following seas, Doc.
Artist: Todd krasovetz Phone: 619.207.7300 Email
Me at krasovetztodd@sbcglobal.net to answer any questions.
