Name: Robert Dennison Johnson
Rank/Branch: O4/US Navy (12 year veteran)
Unit: Helicopter Attack Squadron 3, Detachment 1, USS GARRETT COUNTY
Date of Birth: 12 February 1934 (Bridgeport CT)
Home City of Record: Dallas TX
Date of Loss: 01 September 1967
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 093515E 1061812E (XR430600)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 5
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1H Veh # 638570
Refno: 0824
Other Personnel in Incident: Edward L. Ott III (missing)
Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project with the assistance of one or
more of the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources,
correspondence with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews. Updated
by the P.O.W. NETWORK.
REMARKS:
SYNOPSIS: LtCdr. Robert D. Johnson was an assistant operations officer
assigned to Light Helicopter Attack Squadron 3, Detachment 1, onboard the
USS GARRETT COUNTY (LST 786). On September 1, 1967, he was scrambled on a
pre-dawn emergency launch to interdict Viet Cong forces attacking a friendly
outpost. The UH1H on which he launched carried a full crew, including Petty
Officer Edward L. Ott III, a jet engine mechanic.
The helicopter was seen to lift off the deck of the USS GARRETT COUNTY and
crash into the Bassac River. When the survivors of the crash appeared on the
river's surface, Johnson and Ott were not among them. An immediate search
was initiated using River Patrol Boats and other helicopter search aircraft.
The search lasted for several days and nights, however, the results were
negative.
The cockpit/cabin portion of the aircraft was located partially covered by
mud, and debris was scattered over the river bottom. It was believed that
the bodies of Ott and and the pilot, Rovbert Johnson could not be recovered.
Both were listed as Killed, Body Not Recovered.
Johnson and Ott are among nearly 2500 who remained unaccounted for at the
end of the Vietnam War. The cases of some, like Johnson and Ott, can be
simply stated. Other cases, however, are more complex. Many of the missing
were known to have been alive in sight of the enemy the last they were seen.
Others were actually photographed in captivity, only to disappear.
Since the war ended, nearly 10,000 reports relating to Americans missing in
Southeast Asia have been received by the U.S. Government. Many authorities
believe that there are hundreds of Americans still held captive today.
It is not likely that Ott and Johnson survived the crash of their helicopter
to be captured under such closely observed circumstances. No doubt hope is
lost for these two men. For unknown numbers of others, hope still exists. We
must do everything we can to bring these men home while there is still time.
NOTE:
Casualty records show Johnson lost NOT at Sea, in Vinh Long Province.
Records show Ott "At Sea", "Offshore, MR4."
All Biographical and loss information on POWs provided by Operation
Just Cause have been supplied by Chuck and Mary Schantag of POWNET.
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Since all those commemorated on this site served in the U.S. Navy,
feel free to also contact the Secretary of the Navy:
Sec of the Navy (no online address)
The Honorable Gordon R. England
Secretary of the Navy
Washington, D.C. 20350-1000
Contact
Donald H. Rumsfeld
Secretary of Defense
(online form)
 Hear the Navy Hymn "Eternal Father"
as sung by the U.S. Navy Band's Sea Chanters.
Contains an excellent "history" of this beloved hymn,
as well as the lyrics to the verses,
including verses added later for other branches.
WORTH hearing!!!
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