David Johnson passed away on Saturday, Jan. 26 while at the Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro, N.C. after a long stay in the hospital. David was born to the late Frank and Elmer Johnson on Jan. 27, 1938. He was raised in Tryon by his foster mother, Mrs. Katherine W. Miller of Gillette Woods. He was predeceased by two sisters and one brother. He is survived by a son, Coles M. Johnson.

David “Dirty Shirt” Johnson served over 23 years active and 17 of those were served in the Active Special Forces, including one White Star MTT and two 13 month tours in Vietnam. Johnson served in Vietnam between the years 1966 – 67 where he helped to construct the “A” Camp at Con tien (most northern Special Forces A Camps) and after the camp was over run and abandoned by Special Forces, Johnson was assigned to MIKE Force in I Corps under the command of Australian MAJ. Bodastil and RSM. Stevens. While assigned to I CORPS MIKE Force, he worked as a platoon leader. In 1969 – 70, Johnson instructed Demolition/Vietcong. NA V Boobie Trap and peculiar munitions and he was the said custodian of all said items which were made available to all RCONDO students and selected personnel as well as responsible to fine/access and coordinate technology intelligence on all Vietnam /NAV ordinance found by Special Forces within his area with Material Exploitation Div, Saigon.

Johnson was affiliated with the following organizations: Special Forces Assn (DL670), Special Operations Assn (GL282), UDT Seals Assn. – Life Member, UDT Seal Museum Life Member #51 (plankowner), International Assn. of Bomb Technicians and Investigators Life Member bestowed, International Assn. for Counter Terrorism and Security Professional and Society of Explosives Engineers (Carolina Chapter). David Johnson also received the following military decorations and citations while serving over 23 years: Bronze Star Medal (4 awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (2 awards), Army Commendation Medal (4 Awards), Good Conduct Medal (6 Awards), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (5 Campaigns), Korean Defense Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, RVN Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, RVN Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, RVN Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, RVN Jump Wings, Thailand Jump Wings, Combat Infantryman Badge, Special Warfare Badge (UDT/Seal Budweiser). Master Parachutist Badge, Scuba Diver Badge and Expert Rifle I Pistol Badge.

He received a BS Degree from the University of the State of New York on the 18th Day of September 1992 and already held a Doctor in Skull Duggery (DS). He retired from the US Army Special Forces Command as a MST in February 1980. He also worked as a chief consultant for World Armament Research Associates and it subsidiaries and was considered a highly qualified explosives technologist. In his last give to Special Operations, was the Pursuit Deterrent Munitions, which he got into the military inventory with one year under SOF.

His ashes will be scattered at sea out of the Norfolk Amphibious Base in a full military burial. A memorial service will be held at the JFK Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg. Contributions to the “Wounded Warrior Association” in his honor would be appreciated.