Clayton Winslow Johnson

I was the LRRP Platoon Leader for the 1st Bde 4th Infantry Division, stationed at Jackson's Hole (Le Than, RVN) in May of 1967.

I was getting ready to rotate to an assignment in Libya and a number of newly arrived officers talked with me about assuming the position of LRRP Platoon Leader upon my departure. I remember talking with Clay at length about the LRRP business and my experience as a Recon Platoon Leader and the LRRP Platoon Leader for the 1st Brigade. He had a good deal of time in country already, but indicated that he was ready for a change from being contantly on the move as a platoon leader. I was particularly impressed by his friendly demeanor and professional interest in the people assigned and the LRRP business. I was delighted when I learned that he had been selected to replace me because I thought he would be an excellent leader and well suited to the job. I was saddened when I learned he was killed in an firefight less than a week later.