Ralph Henry Johnson
United States Marine Corp, Vietnam
From it’s host location aboard the aircraft carrier YORKTOWN, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society Museum watches over Ralph Johnson's hometown; Charleston, South Carolina.
Born in Charleston on January 11, 1949 Private First Class Ralph Johnson gallantly gave his life on the battlefield near the Quan Duc Valley, Republic of Vietnam on March 5, 1968.
Serving as a reconnaissance scout with Company A, Pfc. Johnson was part of a 15 man patrol that came under attack by hostile forces. In the midst of a horrific fire fight, a hand grenade landed in a three man fighting hole. Realizing his two Marine comrades were in danger, Pfc. Johnson shouted a warning and without hesitation threw himself on the exploding grenade. He was killed instantly.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, the Medal of Honor was presented to Pfc. Johnson's family at the White House on April 20, 1970. Pfc. Johnson is buried at the Beaufort National Cemetery, South Carolina.
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CV-10 was to be known as the Bon Homme Richard but was renamed in honor of the only American carrier lost in the pivotal Battle of Midway, USS Yorktown (CV-5).
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