Ralph H. Johnson
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For the philosopher, see Ralph Johnson (philosopher).
Ralph Henry Johnson (January 11, 1949 – March 5, 1968) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for heroism in March 1968 during the Vietnam War. When a hand grenade was thrown into his fighting hole, he immediately covered it with his body—absorbing the full impact of the blast—sacrificing his life to save a fellow Marine and preventing the enemy from penetrating his patrol perimeter.
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Ralph Henry Johnson | |
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Born | (1949-01-11)January 11, 1949 Charleston, South Carolina, US |
Died | (1968-03-05)March 5, 1968 (aged 19) near An Hoa Combat Base, South Vietnam |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1967–1968 |
Rank | Private First Class |
Unit | Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division |
Battles/wars | Vietnam War † |
Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
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