Dean De Laine Johnson

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on August 31, 2004:

Dean de Laine Johnson Born July 16, 1927 - Died December 2, 1996 Dean de Laine Johnson was born 16 July 1927 in Charles City, Iowa and was appointed to West Point from the Army of United States. At West Point, his classmates had this to say: "The 'D2' spent his boyhood days in Red Oak, Iowa. He sparked both his high school football and basketball teams on to many a victory from his positions at left end and center respectively. When war came along, he went off to work for Uncle Sam, coming to the Academy after 11 months in the ETO, via Class 1, USMA Prep, Stewart Field. Upon graduation he hopes to enter the Air Force." D2 went out for basketball and became the Manager his cow and first class years. He was also on the Policy Committee and a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. On graduation he went in the Infantry, the Air Force files having been exhausted by the time the drawing got to him. After attending the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, D2 reported to the 10th Division where he served through 1952. He then went with the 4th Infantry Regiment in Alaska and served until 1954. D2 resigned his commission as a Captain in 1960 but was reappointed in 1963 in the same rank and went on duty with the Military Assistance Advisory Group to China where he served through 1967 and was awarded the Air Commendation Medal for distinguished service. On return to stateside D2 was assigned to Headquarters, Army Armored Division Command and served through 1971. He was awarded three Commendation Medals for distinguished service on completion of these tours. D2 was next assigned to Headquarters, 38th Artillery Brigade in Korea where he served until 1969 when he was assigned to Headquarters, Training Reserve Army Command where he served from 1971 to 1972. D2 was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy at the end of this assignment. His last military assignment was to Headquarters, North American Air Defense Region where he served until 1973 when D2 retired in rank as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal on retirement. On retirement, he also accepted a position as Assistant to the Vice President, Kaman Scientific Corporation, where he served until his death on 2 December 1996. His widow Mrs. Marilyn makes her home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. D2 was also an Infantryman. For the Infantryman's Creed click: Creed ufa

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