JOHNSON LESLIE E

MAJ Leslie E. Johnson was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 02/14/2015 at the age of 85.0
Branson West, MO
Date of Birth 02/22/1930
Served in the U.S. Air Force
Served in Vietnam with 38 ARRS DET 10 in 67-68
Call sign in Vietnam PEDRO
This information was provided by Jim Burns

More detail on this person: Leslie Ernest Johnson, 84, of Branson West, Missouri (formerly of Bruceton), died Friday, February 14, 2015 at Roaring Rivers Health and Rehab in Cassville, Missouri. Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at Bruceton First United Methodist Church with Bro. Steve Whitworth officiating. Burial followed at Prospect Cemetery.

Mr. Johnson was born on February 22, 1930 in Huntingdon to the late Leslie E. Johnson, Sr. and Marguerite Ann Clark Johnson. He was a graduate of Hollow Rock Bruceton Central High School 1948 and of Memphis State in 1952 with a B.S. degree. He entered the Air Force and earned Major Air Commander rank while serving over 20 years. He was a command pilot and received three Distinguished Flying Crosses, Meritous Service Medal, an Air Medal with five-oak-leaf cluster, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm. He was a 32-degree Mason and Member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Besides his parents he was also preceded in death by two sisters.

He is survived by: wife Bobbye Jean Mathis Johnson of Branson West, Missouri; two sons Leslie Ernest (Mary) Johnson III of Oklahoma; and K.C. Johnson of Virginia; two grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Christine Wright of Bruceton.

http://www.mckenziebanner.com/contentitem/39167 8/1817/leslie-ernest-johnson-jr

I am the 1st son of Leslie E. Johnson Jr, Major, Retired USAF. I believe Dad flew PEDRO 39 and PEDRO 91 at Binh Thuy AB, Mekong Delta, 1967-1968. He flew many missions. He saved many lives just as all the helo crews did. I have his personal log book. Dad is in a few pictures on the Huskie/Pedro websites somewhere.

Dad retired to Branson West, Missouri and built a home with my mom, on the side of a massive mountain on Table Rock Lake to over-look the world from his deck. The view is magnificent. When you step out on the deck, its like you're flying. They loved it.

Major Leslie E. Johnson Jr., died on Valentines Day, 14 February 2015 at 1915 hrs. He was almost 85. He was buried back in his home town of Bruceton, Tennessee on 25 February 2015. Three Distinguished Flying Crosses and MSM among all the others. Bobbye Johnson (wife), KC Johnson (2nd son), and myself (1st son), miss him badly.

As dad would say raising his glass toasting ,...... " CHEERS "

From: Leslie Johnson III "Just Cause" and "Desert Shield/Storm"

Here is are the dates of some rescue operations he participated in while with Det. 10, 38th ARRS at Binh Thuy AB. Jan 04, 68; Feb 14, 68 (2 missions); Mar 01, 68; Mar 02, 68; Mar 10, 68; Mar 11, 68; Mar 13, 68; Mar 19, 68; Apr 15, 68; Apr 27, 68; May 12, 68; May 20, 68; Jun 07, 68; Jun 20, 68 and Sep 02, 68?.at least these are the ones I've been able to locate so far. These missions are listed on our USAF RotorHeads "Helicopter Time-Line" page at this link. http://www.rotorheadsrus.us/documents/1958___20 15.html

From: Jim Burns

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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