Medal of Honor: Ralph H. Johnson – U.S. Marine Corps – Vietnam War

Name: Ralph H. Johnson
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force
Place: Near the Quan Duc Valley, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Oakland, California
Born: 11 January 1949, Charleston, South Carolina

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Summary of Action

During Operation ROCK, a 15-man Marine reconnaissance patrol occupied an observation post on Hill 146 overlooking the Quan Duc Valley deep inside enemy-controlled territory.

In the early morning hours, the patrol was suddenly attacked by a platoon-sized North Vietnamese force using automatic weapons, satchel charges, and grenades.

Amid the chaos of the assault, a grenade landed inside the three-man fighting hole occupied by Private First Class Ralph H. Johnson and two fellow Marines.

There was no time to throw it back.

Without hesitation, Johnson shouted a warning.

Then he threw himself directly onto the grenade.

When the explosion erupted, he absorbed the full force of the blast and was killed instantly.

His selfless act saved the life of one Marine and prevented the enemy from penetrating that critical section of the patrol’s perimeter.

Private First Class Ralph H. Johnson’s extraordinary courage and sacrifice stand as a lasting example of devotion to his fellow Marines and reflect the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the Naval Service.

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Medal of Honor Citation

JOHNSON, RALPH H.

Place and date: Near the Quan Duc Valley, Republic of Vietnam, 5 March 1968.

Born: 11 January 1949, Charleston, S.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a reconnaissance scout with Company A, in action against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces. In the early morning hours during Operation ROCK, Pfc. Johnson was a member of a 15-man reconnaissance patrol manning an observation post on Hill 146 overlooking the Quan Duc Valley deep in enemy controlled territory. They were attacked by a platoon-size hostile force employing automatic weapons, satchel charges and hand grenades. Suddenly, a hand grenade landed in the 3-man fighting hole occupied by Pfc. Johnson and 2 fellow marines. Realizing the inherent danger to his 2 comrades, he shouted a warning and unhesitatingly hurled himself upon the explosive device. When the grenade exploded, Pfc. Johnson absorbed the tremendous impact of the blast and was killed instantly. His prompt and heroic act saved the life of 1 marine at the cost of his life and undoubtedly prevented the enemy from penetrating his sector of the patrol’s perimeter. Pfc. Johnson’s courage, inspiring valor and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.