Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the significance of the five stars on the crest?
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?
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?
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"?
What is the meaning of the ship's motto, "CELER SILENS MORTALIS"?
What is the significance of the flame emission on the crest?
What is the significance of the flame emission on the crest?
What is the role of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion in the U.S. Marine Corps?
What is the role of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion in the U.S. Marine Corps?
What prompted Ralph Johnson to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps?
What prompted Ralph Johnson to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps?
What happened to Ralph Johnson's reconnaissance patrol on March 5, 1968 during Operation Rock?
What happened to Ralph Johnson's reconnaissance patrol on March 5, 1968 during Operation Rock?
Flashcards
Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded for valor in action against an enemy force.
Southern Cross
Southern Cross
A constellation representing the five stars in PFC Johnson's insignia, symbolizing his service.
Trident
Trident
A traditional naval symbol representing sea power and defense.
Vietnamese dragon
Vietnamese dragon
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Ralph Johnson
Ralph Johnson
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CELER SILENS MORTALIS
CELER SILENS MORTALIS
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Operation Rock
Operation Rock
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Combat sacrifice
Combat sacrifice
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Study Notes
USS RALPH JOHNSON (DDG 114)
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Ship's motto: "CELER SILENS MORTALIS" ("Swift Silent Deadly")
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Light blue represents Medal of Honor, dark blue represents ocean
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Five stars represent constellation "Southern Cross"; signifies service in 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, USMC
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Trident: traditional naval symbol
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Flame emission symbolizes Integrated Air and Missile Defense system
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Vietnamese dragon: associated with water, life, death, and rain
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Single star above dragon: signifies life Ralph Johnson saved, earning him Medal of Honor
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USN Officer's sword and USN CPO cutlass on left side of crest
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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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