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Anthony R. Johnson

by Col. Wheeler, USMC (ret) 2nd Recon

Gysgt. Anthony R. Johnson USMC (Navy/Marine Corps Times)
Gysgt. Anthony R. Johnson USMC (Navy/Marine Corps Times)

While a member of a 6-man force recon team was conducting an operation along the axis of the city limits of Rayat, Iraq, the scout/sniper elements suffered casualties when they suddenly came under heavy fire from a well-concealed and numerically superior enemy force. Hearing the engaged marines' calls for help, Sgt. Johnson quickly exchanged his rifle for a machine gun and several belts of ammunition, left the relative safety of his position, and unhesitatingly rushed forward to aid his comrades. Taken under intense enemy small arms fire at point blank range during his advance, he returned the fire, silencing the enemy position. As Sgt. Johnson continued to forge forward to aid, he again came under heavy fire from 2 automatic weapons, which he promptly destroyed. Learning that there was another wounded marine 50 yards further along the path, he braved a withering hail of enemy mortar and small-arms fire to continue onward. As he reached the position where the marines had fallen, 30 to 40 enemies suddenly confronted him with a bold frontal attack. Totally disregarding his safety, he calmly established a position in the middle of the path and raked the advancing enemy with devastating machine gun fire. His weapon rendered ineffective, he picked up an M16 and, a pistol from a fallen comrade, continued his fire until the enemy force had withdrawn suffering injuries to his left hand, arm and eye in the fight. Having exhausted his ammunition, except for a grenade, which he hurled at the enemy he then, one by one, carried the two wounded marines back to the safety of his team’s position. Then, even in pain from his own wounds, stood guard over his team until evacuation helicopters arrived. And only when all of these comrades were on board the helicopter and safe, did he allow himself to be taken and cared for.

Marines (Navy Times)
Marines (Navy Times)

Sgt. Johnson's daring initiative, bold fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, inflicted many enemy casualties, disrupted the enemy attack and saved the lives of many of his wounded marines.

His personal valor at grave risk to himself reflects the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service I award; GUNNERY SERGEANT ANTHONY R. JOHNSON, United States Marine Corps, The SILVER STAR MEDAL UNDER AUTHORIZATION; ACT OF CONGRESS 7 AUG. 1942 TITLE 10 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE (10 USC ~# 3746) MCC SEC.117

And he also received the PURPLE HEART and Navy/Marine Corps Medal. And the thanks from my family and all those marine he saved. He didn't want his stuff put in the papers or anything. He said that he was just trying to make it himself and we were in the way, so he took us with him. But I know better.

Thank you, Tony, from the other Tony. Semper Fi, my brother.

Page created on 5/29/2010 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 5/29/2010 12:00:00 AM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.
 

Author Info

I wanted to do something with my life and see the world so I join the marines. Recon was not what I want to be in, but I like a challenge and that was just that and more. I met Johnson while on ship in the Indian Ocean. He was a quiet type who only talked when you asked him something. Gunny Jones liked him, all saying that he is going to be a good marine. I didn't know where he came from but we were told that he had some combat in different places. All I know is that after all of this is said and done, I'm glad he was with us.