US Air Force Master Sergeant(MSGT)Denning Cicero Johnson, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Dunn, NC. A Flight Member of the C5A "Babylift" Air Plane crash in Vietnam.
US Air Force Master Sergeant Denning Cicero Johnson was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Air Force, MSGT Johnson served our country until April 4th, 1975 in Binh Hoa, South Vietnam. He was 36 years old and was married. Denning died when his plane crashed. His body was recovered. Denning was born on August 1st, 1938 in Union Township of Pender County, North Carolina. MSGT Johnson is on panel 01W, line 121 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
I was stationed with DC Johnson at Rhein Main AB Germany in the 60's and was stationed with him at Clark AB, Phillipines in the 70's. We had a lot fun flying to Athens Greece and other countries in Europe. I rembember that day in April 1975. I was watching the news at Bob St Maur house when we found out about the C5A Babylift aircraft crash. I still stay in contact with two survivors. Sgt Phil Wise and Msgt Olen Boutwell. I would like to hear from any family members. JOHN HIGUERA.
We all use to call him D.C.(Denning C. Johnson). He and I were stationed together several times. As medics flying air evacuation flights for the Air Force we served together both stateside, overseas, and Vietnam. I can't remember which was the hardest for me to take, hearing that D.C. augered in with a plane load of Vietnamese orphans in 1975 or learning that no one has placed any rememberance here. D.C., great job, you cared, and so do I. We miss you. John E.(Jack)Richards, TSG USAF (Retired).
Sarge, it's been such a long time since I saw you last, but few days have gone by since you left, that I haven't thought of you, and your family, that you loved so dearly. We had many good times riding our motorcycles, and just being with our mutual friends, that we rode with. I remember you as a kind, quiet man, always with a contented smile on your face. It was my honor to have known you, and called you friend. Thank you for your selflessness, and the aid you brought to other's. God Speed, old friend. John Pratt, Friend at Clark Air Base, Dallas, Texas.
MSGT Johnson was KIA on 14 April 1975, the Official end to the conflict was 7 May 1975. This makes him the last documented North Carolina Casualty that was Killed in Action in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
Friend at Clark Air Base, Dallas Texas, Sarge, it's been such a long time since I saw you last, but few days have gone by since you left, that I haven't thought of you, and your family, that you loved so dearly. We had many good times riding our motorcycles, and just being with our mutual friends, that we rode with. I remember you as a kind, quiet man, always with a contented smile on your face. It was my honor to have known you, and called you friend. Thank you for your selflessness, and the aid you brought to other's. God Speed, old friend. John Pratt.
This American Hero, served with Honor and died with Courage! 'The initial mission of Operation Babylift to bring Vietnamese orphans to the US in the few remaining days before the Republic of Vietnam fell. The C-5 departed Saigon-Tan Son Nhut Airport at 16:03. Twelve minutes after takeoff, after climbing through FL230, there was what seemed to be an explosion as the lower rear fuselage was torn apart. The locks of the rear loading ramp had failed, causing the door to open and separate. A rapid decompression occurred. Control and trim cables to the rudder and elevators were severed, leaving only one aileron and wing spoilers operating. Two of the four hydraulic systems were out. The crew wrestled at the controls, managing to keep control of the plane with changes in power settings by using the one working aileron and wing spoilers.The crew descended to an altitude of 4,000 feet on a heading of 310 degrees in preparation for landing on Tan Son Nhut's Runway 25L. About halfway through a turn to final approach, the rate of descent increased rapidly to 4,000 feet per minute. Seeing they couldn't make the runway, full power was applied to bring the nose up. At 50 feet, the throttles where retarded to idle and the C-5 touched down in a rice paddy. Skidding about 1,000 feet, the aircraft again became airborne for a half mile before hitting a dike and breaking into four parts. The cargo compartment was completely destroyed, killing 141 of the 149 orphans and attendants. Only three of 152 in the troop compartment perished. Five of the flight crew, three of the medical team, and three others lost their lives, but 175 of the 328 aboard survived.' Source: Air Force Magazine, August 1991.
He is the Son of Mr and Mrs Atlas Johnson and Mrs Essie Denning Johnson, Pender County, NC. He is the Father of Sandra Denise Johnson and Marilyn Yvonne Johnson Pickering.
He served with the 9th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 13th Air Force.
He was awarded The Airman's Medal Posthumously, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal with multiple Oak Leaf Clusters, The Achievement Medal and The Commendation Medal.
US Air Force Master Sergeant Denning Cicero Johnson was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Air Force, MSGT Johnson served our country until April 4th, 1975 in Binh Hoa, South Vietnam. He was 36 years old and was married. Denning died when his plane crashed. His body was recovered. Denning was born on August 1st, 1938 in Union Township of Pender County, North Carolina. MSGT Johnson is on panel 01W, line 121 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
I was stationed with DC Johnson at Rhein Main AB Germany in the 60's and was stationed with him at Clark AB, Phillipines in the 70's. We had a lot fun flying to Athens Greece and other countries in Europe. I rembember that day in April 1975. I was watching the news at Bob St Maur house when we found out about the C5A Babylift aircraft crash. I still stay in contact with two survivors. Sgt Phil Wise and Msgt Olen Boutwell. I would like to hear from any family members. JOHN HIGUERA.
We all use to call him D.C.(Denning C. Johnson). He and I were stationed together several times. As medics flying air evacuation flights for the Air Force we served together both stateside, overseas, and Vietnam. I can't remember which was the hardest for me to take, hearing that D.C. augered in with a plane load of Vietnamese orphans in 1975 or learning that no one has placed any rememberance here. D.C., great job, you cared, and so do I. We miss you. John E.(Jack)Richards, TSG USAF (Retired).
Sarge, it's been such a long time since I saw you last, but few days have gone by since you left, that I haven't thought of you, and your family, that you loved so dearly. We had many good times riding our motorcycles, and just being with our mutual friends, that we rode with. I remember you as a kind, quiet man, always with a contented smile on your face. It was my honor to have known you, and called you friend. Thank you for your selflessness, and the aid you brought to other's. God Speed, old friend. John Pratt, Friend at Clark Air Base, Dallas, Texas.
MSGT Johnson was KIA on 14 April 1975, the Official end to the conflict was 7 May 1975. This makes him the last documented North Carolina Casualty that was Killed in Action in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
Friend at Clark Air Base, Dallas Texas, Sarge, it's been such a long time since I saw you last, but few days have gone by since you left, that I haven't thought of you, and your family, that you loved so dearly. We had many good times riding our motorcycles, and just being with our mutual friends, that we rode with. I remember you as a kind, quiet man, always with a contented smile on your face. It was my honor to have known you, and called you friend. Thank you for your selflessness, and the aid you brought to other's. God Speed, old friend. John Pratt.
This American Hero, served with Honor and died with Courage! 'The initial mission of Operation Babylift to bring Vietnamese orphans to the US in the few remaining days before the Republic of Vietnam fell. The C-5 departed Saigon-Tan Son Nhut Airport at 16:03. Twelve minutes after takeoff, after climbing through FL230, there was what seemed to be an explosion as the lower rear fuselage was torn apart. The locks of the rear loading ramp had failed, causing the door to open and separate. A rapid decompression occurred. Control and trim cables to the rudder and elevators were severed, leaving only one aileron and wing spoilers operating. Two of the four hydraulic systems were out. The crew wrestled at the controls, managing to keep control of the plane with changes in power settings by using the one working aileron and wing spoilers.The crew descended to an altitude of 4,000 feet on a heading of 310 degrees in preparation for landing on Tan Son Nhut's Runway 25L. About halfway through a turn to final approach, the rate of descent increased rapidly to 4,000 feet per minute. Seeing they couldn't make the runway, full power was applied to bring the nose up. At 50 feet, the throttles where retarded to idle and the C-5 touched down in a rice paddy. Skidding about 1,000 feet, the aircraft again became airborne for a half mile before hitting a dike and breaking into four parts. The cargo compartment was completely destroyed, killing 141 of the 149 orphans and attendants. Only three of 152 in the troop compartment perished. Five of the flight crew, three of the medical team, and three others lost their lives, but 175 of the 328 aboard survived.' Source: Air Force Magazine, August 1991.
He is the Son of Mr and Mrs Atlas Johnson and Mrs Essie Denning Johnson, Pender County, NC. He is the Father of Sandra Denise Johnson and Marilyn Yvonne Johnson Pickering.
He served with the 9th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 13th Air Force.
He was awarded The Airman's Medal Posthumously, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal with multiple Oak Leaf Clusters, The Achievement Medal and The Commendation Medal.
US Air Force Master Sergeant(MSGT)Denning Cicero Johnson, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Dunn, NC. A Flight Member of the C5A "Babylift" Air Plane crash in Vietnam.
US Air Force Master Sergeant Denning Cicero Johnson was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Air Force, MSGT Johnson served our country until April 4th, 1975 in Binh Hoa, South Vietnam. He was 36 years old and was married. Denning died when his plane crashed. His body was recovered. Denning was born on August 1st, 1938 in Union Township of Pender County, North Carolina. MSGT Johnson is on panel 01W, line 121 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
I was stationed with DC Johnson at Rhein Main AB Germany in the 60's and was stationed with him at Clark AB, Phillipines in the 70's. We had a lot fun flying to Athens Greece and other countries in Europe. I rembember that day in April 1975. I was watching the news at Bob St Maur house when we found out about the C5A Babylift aircraft crash. I still stay in contact with two survivors. Sgt Phil Wise and Msgt Olen Boutwell. I would like to hear from any family members. JOHN HIGUERA.
We all use to call him D.C.(Denning C. Johnson). He and I were stationed together several times. As medics flying air evacuation flights for the Air Force we served together both stateside, overseas, and Vietnam. I can't remember which was the hardest for me to take, hearing that D.C. augered in with a plane load of Vietnamese orphans in 1975 or learning that no one has placed any rememberance here. D.C., great job, you cared, and so do I. We miss you. John E.(Jack)Richards, TSG USAF (Retired).
Sarge, it's been such a long time since I saw you last, but few days have gone by since you left, that I haven't thought of you, and your family, that you loved so dearly. We had many good times riding our motorcycles, and just being with our mutual friends, that we rode with. I remember you as a kind, quiet man, always with a contented smile on your face. It was my honor to have known you, and called you friend. Thank you for your selflessness, and the aid you brought to other's. God Speed, old friend. John Pratt, Friend at Clark Air Base, Dallas, Texas.
MSGT Johnson was KIA on 14 April 1975, the Official end to the conflict was 7 May 1975. This makes him the last documented North Carolina Casualty that was Killed in Action in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
Friend at Clark Air Base, Dallas Texas, Sarge, it's been such a long time since I saw you last, but few days have gone by since you left, that I haven't thought of you, and your family, that you loved so dearly. We had many good times riding our motorcycles, and just being with our mutual friends, that we rode with. I remember you as a kind, quiet man, always with a contented smile on your face. It was my honor to have known you, and called you friend. Thank you for your selflessness, and the aid you brought to other's. God Speed, old friend. John Pratt.
This American Hero, served with Honor and died with Courage! 'The initial mission of Operation Babylift to bring Vietnamese orphans to the US in the few remaining days before the Republic of Vietnam fell. The C-5 departed Saigon-Tan Son Nhut Airport at 16:03. Twelve minutes after takeoff, after climbing through FL230, there was what seemed to be an explosion as the lower rear fuselage was torn apart. The locks of the rear loading ramp had failed, causing the door to open and separate. A rapid decompression occurred. Control and trim cables to the rudder and elevators were severed, leaving only one aileron and wing spoilers operating. Two of the four hydraulic systems were out. The crew wrestled at the controls, managing to keep control of the plane with changes in power settings by using the one working aileron and wing spoilers.The crew descended to an altitude of 4,000 feet on a heading of 310 degrees in preparation for landing on Tan Son Nhut's Runway 25L. About halfway through a turn to final approach, the rate of descent increased rapidly to 4,000 feet per minute. Seeing they couldn't make the runway, full power was applied to bring the nose up. At 50 feet, the throttles where retarded to idle and the C-5 touched down in a rice paddy. Skidding about 1,000 feet, the aircraft again became airborne for a half mile before hitting a dike and breaking into four parts. The cargo compartment was completely destroyed, killing 141 of the 149 orphans and attendants. Only three of 152 in the troop compartment perished. Five of the flight crew, three of the medical team, and three others lost their lives, but 175 of the 328 aboard survived.' Source: Air Force Magazine, August 1991.
He is the Son of Mr and Mrs Atlas Johnson and Mrs Essie Denning Johnson, Pender County, NC. He is the Father of Sandra Denise Johnson and Marilyn Yvonne Johnson Pickering.
He served with the 9th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 13th Air Force.
He was awarded The Airman's Medal Posthumously, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal with multiple Oak Leaf Clusters, The Achievement Medal and The Commendation Medal.
US Air Force Master Sergeant Denning Cicero Johnson was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Air Force, MSGT Johnson served our country until April 4th, 1975 in Binh Hoa, South Vietnam. He was 36 years old and was married. Denning died when his plane crashed. His body was recovered. Denning was born on August 1st, 1938 in Union Township of Pender County, North Carolina. MSGT Johnson is on panel 01W, line 121 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
I was stationed with DC Johnson at Rhein Main AB Germany in the 60's and was stationed with him at Clark AB, Phillipines in the 70's. We had a lot fun flying to Athens Greece and other countries in Europe. I rembember that day in April 1975. I was watching the news at Bob St Maur house when we found out about the C5A Babylift aircraft crash. I still stay in contact with two survivors. Sgt Phil Wise and Msgt Olen Boutwell. I would like to hear from any family members. JOHN HIGUERA.
We all use to call him D.C.(Denning C. Johnson). He and I were stationed together several times. As medics flying air evacuation flights for the Air Force we served together both stateside, overseas, and Vietnam. I can't remember which was the hardest for me to take, hearing that D.C. augered in with a plane load of Vietnamese orphans in 1975 or learning that no one has placed any rememberance here. D.C., great job, you cared, and so do I. We miss you. John E.(Jack)Richards, TSG USAF (Retired).
Sarge, it's been such a long time since I saw you last, but few days have gone by since you left, that I haven't thought of you, and your family, that you loved so dearly. We had many good times riding our motorcycles, and just being with our mutual friends, that we rode with. I remember you as a kind, quiet man, always with a contented smile on your face. It was my honor to have known you, and called you friend. Thank you for your selflessness, and the aid you brought to other's. God Speed, old friend. John Pratt, Friend at Clark Air Base, Dallas, Texas.
MSGT Johnson was KIA on 14 April 1975, the Official end to the conflict was 7 May 1975. This makes him the last documented North Carolina Casualty that was Killed in Action in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
Friend at Clark Air Base, Dallas Texas, Sarge, it's been such a long time since I saw you last, but few days have gone by since you left, that I haven't thought of you, and your family, that you loved so dearly. We had many good times riding our motorcycles, and just being with our mutual friends, that we rode with. I remember you as a kind, quiet man, always with a contented smile on your face. It was my honor to have known you, and called you friend. Thank you for your selflessness, and the aid you brought to other's. God Speed, old friend. John Pratt.
This American Hero, served with Honor and died with Courage! 'The initial mission of Operation Babylift to bring Vietnamese orphans to the US in the few remaining days before the Republic of Vietnam fell. The C-5 departed Saigon-Tan Son Nhut Airport at 16:03. Twelve minutes after takeoff, after climbing through FL230, there was what seemed to be an explosion as the lower rear fuselage was torn apart. The locks of the rear loading ramp had failed, causing the door to open and separate. A rapid decompression occurred. Control and trim cables to the rudder and elevators were severed, leaving only one aileron and wing spoilers operating. Two of the four hydraulic systems were out. The crew wrestled at the controls, managing to keep control of the plane with changes in power settings by using the one working aileron and wing spoilers.The crew descended to an altitude of 4,000 feet on a heading of 310 degrees in preparation for landing on Tan Son Nhut's Runway 25L. About halfway through a turn to final approach, the rate of descent increased rapidly to 4,000 feet per minute. Seeing they couldn't make the runway, full power was applied to bring the nose up. At 50 feet, the throttles where retarded to idle and the C-5 touched down in a rice paddy. Skidding about 1,000 feet, the aircraft again became airborne for a half mile before hitting a dike and breaking into four parts. The cargo compartment was completely destroyed, killing 141 of the 149 orphans and attendants. Only three of 152 in the troop compartment perished. Five of the flight crew, three of the medical team, and three others lost their lives, but 175 of the 328 aboard survived.' Source: Air Force Magazine, August 1991.
He is the Son of Mr and Mrs Atlas Johnson and Mrs Essie Denning Johnson, Pender County, NC. He is the Father of Sandra Denise Johnson and Marilyn Yvonne Johnson Pickering.
He served with the 9th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, 13th Air Force.
He was awarded The Airman's Medal Posthumously, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal with multiple Oak Leaf Clusters, The Achievement Medal and The Commendation Medal.
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