USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) and Medal of Honor
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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of the five stars on the crest?

  • They represent the five branches of the United States Armed Forces.
  • They represent the constellation "Southern Cross", which is related to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion crest. (correct)
  • They symbolize the five core values of the United States Marine Corps.
  • They represent the five major battles fought in the Vietnam War.
  • What does the Vietnamese dragon symbolize on the crest?

  • The dragon symbolizes the harsh conditions and challenges faced by the Marines in Vietnam.
  • The dragon represents the ancient Vietnamese tradition of dragon boat racing.
  • The dragon symbolizes water and the importance of rain for life, representing the life Ralph Johnson saved. (correct)
  • The dragon represents the strength and power of the Vietnamese people.
  • What does the single star above the dragon represent on the crest?

  • The single star symbolizes the hope for peace and reconciliation after the Vietnam War.
  • The single star symbolizes the rank of PFC Johnson in the United States Marine Corps.
  • The single star symbolizes the life that Ralph Johnson saved, earning him the Medal of Honor. (correct)
  • The single star symbolizes the Medal of Honor awarded to Ralph Johnson.
  • What is the meaning of the ship's motto, "CELER SILENS MORTALIS"?

    <p>Fast, Quiet, Deadly (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the flame emission on the crest?

    <p>It symbolizes the Integrated Air and Missile Defense system aboard the ship. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion in the U.S. Marine Corps?

    <p>To conduct covert operations and gather intelligence behind enemy lines (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What prompted Ralph Johnson to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps?

    <p>He wanted to serve his country and fight for freedom. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happened to Ralph Johnson's reconnaissance patrol on March 5, 1968 during Operation Rock?

    <p>They were attacked by a larger enemy force on Hill 146. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Medal of Honor

    The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded for valor in action against an enemy force.

    Southern Cross

    A constellation representing the five stars in PFC Johnson's insignia, symbolizing his service.

    Trident

    A traditional naval symbol representing sea power and defense.

    Vietnamese dragon

    A mythical creature associated with water, symbolizing authority over life and death in Vietnamese culture.

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    Ralph Johnson

    A U.S. Marine who received the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life to save his comrades.

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    CELER SILENS MORTALIS

    Latin for 'Swift Silent Deadly', a motto reflecting the warrior mentality of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.

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    Operation Rock

    A military operation in Vietnam, during which Ralph Johnson showed extraordinary bravery.

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    Combat sacrifice

    The act of giving one's life to save others during combat, exemplified by PFC Johnson's actions.

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    Study Notes

    USS RALPH JOHNSON (DDG 114)

    • Ship's motto: "CELER SILENS MORTALIS" ("Swift Silent Deadly")

    • Light blue represents Medal of Honor, dark blue represents ocean

    • Five stars represent constellation "Southern Cross"; signifies service in 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, USMC

    • Trident: traditional naval symbol

    • Flame emission symbolizes Integrated Air and Missile Defense system

    • Vietnamese dragon: associated with water, life, death, and rain

    • Single star above dragon: signifies life Ralph Johnson saved, earning him Medal of Honor

    • USN Officer's sword and USN CPO cutlass on left side of crest

    • USMC Officer's Mameluke and USMC NCO sword on right side of crest

    Ralph Henry Johnson (Medal of Honor Recipient)

    • Born January 11, 1949, in Charleston, South Carolina
    • Attended Courtney Elementary School and Simonton Jr. High School
    • Enlisted in US Marine Corps Reserve, March 23, 1967
    • Discharged to enlist in regular Marine Corps, July 2, 1967
    • Completed recruit training at MCRD San Diego, California, September 1967
    • Transferred to Camp Pendleton, California
    • Underwent individual combat training, basic infantry training with Company Y, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment
    • Promoted to Private First Class, November 1, 1967
    • Arrived in Republic of Vietnam, January 1968
    • Served as reconnaissance scout with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division
    • Killed in action on March 5, 1968, during Operation Rock near An Hoa Combat Base (Arizona Territory) while protecting his unit during reconnaissance patrol.
    • Awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions in absorbing explosive charge from grenades

    Decorations and Honors

    • Medal of Honor
    • Purple Heart
    • National Defense Service Medal
    • Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars
    • Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm
    • Vietnamese Military Merit Medal
    • Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
    • Buried at Beaufort National Cemetery, South Carolina

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    Description

    Explore the significant attributes of USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) and the life of Ralph Henry Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient. This quiz covers the ship's crest symbolism, Ralph Johnson’s background, and his exemplary service. Test your knowledge about this naval destroyer and its commemorated hero!

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