More detail on this person: Wayne E. Johnson LTC. U.S. ARMY (rET.) On April 14, 2021, Wayne E. Johnson died in his home with his wife, Tansill, and his sister, Barbara by his side. He was born on September 27, 1946 to Wayne and Iola Johnson at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He grew up in various locations as his father was transferred to numerous military bases in the U.S. Army. He graduated high school in Killeen, Texas in 1965. Shortly thereafter, in November 1965, was drafted into the Army in response to the buildup in Vietnam. After basic training was accepted for pilot flight training at Fort Walter, Texas and Fort Rucker, Alabama. He graduated November 1966 and was awarded his aviator wings and commissioned to Warrant Officer W01. Immediately following flight school, he deployed to Vietnam in December 1966, 1st Calvary Division flying UH-1H (Slicks). June 1967 he was transferred to the 155th Aviation Company where he flew guns ships in aerial support of ground troops and long ranger patrol missions. In November 1968 he extended his tour in Vietnam to fly for the 201st AVN Co in Nha trang, as predominantly fixed using helicopter unit that flew VIP's. In Vietnam, he met Michael Baucom, a crew chief, who became a lifelong and close friend, and who served his life as a Lutheran minister. He finally departed Vietnam in late April 1969, having been awarded 36 Air Medals and two distinguished Flying Crosses. CW2 Johnson returned to Fort Rucker, Alabama to undergo instrument training. He received a direct commission to 1st Lieutenant in Armor Branch in February 1970 and taught instruments in the Army in the Army Instrument Examiner Course. In 1972, he graduated from the Army Accident prevention/Investigation course at USC and transferred to Germany as the Division Aviation Safety Officer and later as an Armor Company Commander. He had a session of assignments and promotions to Kentucky, Arizona and Virginia. He married Tansill Ritchie Tamaddon in July 1985 in Richmond, Virginia. They each had two children and they blended the families with love, and patience. They raised their children and were proud of their higher education at Cornell, the US Military Academy, University of Virginia and the US Air Force Academy. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1990 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He held several positions for the next 22 years as a Director of Human Resources, home handyman, and lastly as residential property manager for 14 years. Wayne was an avid woodworker making furniture for his family members and friends, and in church, he loved making things and fixing things. He is survived by his beloved wife Tansill, his sister Barbara and his children Taymour, Kenrick, Sima and Nicholas. He was admired and loved by his family and countless other people, of all ages and backgrounds. Wayne was drawn to helping people during their difficult and challenging times. He addressed issues and choices with candor and clarity, and instilled confidence in people to help and change themselves. As a neighbor defined him, "a hero in and out of uniform." As Tansill described him, " the love of my life with the ego of a mouse and the heart of a lion." A man of simplicity, humility, honesty and courage. The family plans to have a celebration of Wayne's life in the future. A man of simplicity, humility, honesty and courage. The family plans to have a celebration of Wayne's life in the future.
Burial information: Cremated
This information was last updated 04/26/2021
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association