25th Anniversary of the CA Vietnam Veterans Memorial

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PFC Ralph Henry Johnson’s Name Added to California Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Sacramento, CA – Due to unknown circumstances the name of Private First Class Ralph Henry Johnson, United States Marine Corps, was left off the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial 25 years ago when it was constructed and dedicated. This oversight is being corrected during a re-dedication ceremony for the memorial taking place on Saturday, November 23 at 1:00 p.m. in Capitol Park, Sacramento.

A native of South Carolina, PFC Johnson, who was 19 years old at the time of his death, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1967 in Oakland, CA. The Department of Defense lists the state from which one enlists in military service as the home of record, so officially PFC Johnson is considered to be from California.

PFC Johnson’s engraved name will be unveiled on the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial in a ceremony honoring him and all Californians who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

Congressional Medal of Honor Citation:

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. http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3 ... alph-h.php

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California Vietnam Veterans Memorial Re-dedicated

Sacramento, CA – Hundreds of people gathered today in Capitol Park to witness the re-dedication of the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Originally dedicated in 1988, the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial has stood as a testament to the 5,823 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice at the request of our Nation.

“I am honored to see so many people here today with us to honor and remember, not only the men and women who lost their lives in Vietnam during that very unpopular war, but also those who came back, became parents, artists, community leaders or most importantly, our neighbors and loved ones,” said Peter J. Gravett, CalVet Secretary.

The ceremony today involved three parts. The first was a motorcycle run with more than 300 riders making their way from Raley Field to the memorial. A beautiful solemn ceremony in honor of Prisoners of War and those still Missing in Action took place following the motorcycle ride. The main ceremony involved some very heartfelt speeches by Sister Linda McClenahan, Chairwoman of the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial Committee; Stan Atkinson, longtime friend of B.T. Collins and supporter of the memorial; Peter J. Gravett, CalVet Secretary; and Col. Rocky Chavez, CA State Assembly.

“We are very grateful for the support demonstrated to Vietnam veterans and this memorial,” said Pete Conaty, Pete Conaty and Associates and committee co-chair. “We thank all our sponsors, the hardworking planning committee, volunteers and all the attendees at this event.”

Two very poignant events during the ceremony included the unveiling of PFC Ralph Henry Johnson’s newly engraved name. PFC Johnson is a Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. The other touching moment came when several wreaths were laid at the memorial by different veterans’ service organizations. These two occasions brought many of the attendees to tears. The ceremony concluded with a touching rendition of Amazing Grace by the Scottish American Military Society