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In Memory of SP-4

Ronnie Wayne Johnson

Burke, South Dakota, Gregory County

 December 30, 1946--May 14, 1969

Died of Wounds in Vietnam

Ronnie Wayne Johnson was born on December 30, 1946, in Burke, South Dakota to Charles Leslie (Les) and Neva Margaret (Hedbund) Johnson. He had three brothers, Gene, Allen, and Roger. Ronnie was raised in Burke, where he first attended Rambrandt School and then Burke High School. Ronnie worked as a construction worker and heavy equipment operator. He was married to Ann B. Preslicka on Mary 20, 1967. The couple moved to Yankton, South Dakota. Ronnie enjoyed hunting and working on cars.

Ronnie Wayne Johnson entered Army through selective service on January 3, 1968. He trained at Ft. Lewis, Washington. After completing training, he spent 18 days at home on leave. On June 1, 1969, he left for Vietnam, arriving at Tan Son Nhut Air Base. He served with Company B, 1st Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division’s 508th Infantry.

As a result of his actions at Phu Bai in March of 1969, SP-4 Johnson was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism. Soon after, on May 14, 1969, he died of wounds received in action. The body of SP-4 Ronnie Johnson was returned to the United States and he was buried with military honors at the ZCBJ Cemetery southwest of Gregory.

At the time of his death, Ronnie Wayne Johnson left behind his wife, Ann, his parents, Charles and Neva, and his three brothers, Gene, Allen and Roger.

I will remember the service and sacrifice’s that Ronnie Wayne Johnson gave for his country. His heroism lives on in those whom he knew.

This entry was respectfully submitted by April G. Goodson, 9th Grade, Spearfish High School, Spearfish, South Dakota, on April 4, 2005. Information and approval for this entry was provided by Allen Johnson, brother, Gregory.