FORT STEWART, Ga. - Soldiers from across the 3rd Infantry Division and family and friends of Pfc. Charles R. Johnson, a Korean War hero, gathered to dedicate the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID, fitness center in his memory, Aug. 26, on Fort Stewart, Ga.
"This is such an honor," said Juanita Mendez, the sister of Johnson. "I don't really have the words to describe what this means to me and my family."
Johnson was assigned to Baker Company, 15th Regiment, 3rd ID, with orders to hold Outpost Harry at all costs. On June 12, 1953, Johnson fought alongside his high school friend, Pvt. Don Dingee, against an estimated 3,600 enemy soldiers, when their bunker was attacked by artillery fire and an enemy grenade.
Johnson dragged Dingee, who spoke at the ceremony, 150 meters to safety in another bunker and bandaged other soldiers. Johnson also scouted the area and procured weapons for the men to continue the fight.
"Charlie was a great soldier," said Dingee. "The word hesitation was not in his vocabulary."
Johnson lost his life defending their position and was responsible for saving the lives of at least eight soldiers.
"Pfc. Johnson gave his life in a heroic effort to save the lives of as many of his wounded comrades as he could," said Maj. Gen. John M. Murray, commander of the Marne Division. "We are very, very proud that we can recognize and dedicate this facility today for a very clear example of a soldier who also lived the Army values and warrior ethos long before they became popular."
The Silver Star Medal, the third highest Department of Defense award exclusively for combat valor, was posthumously awarded to Johnson 57 years after his valiant actions and was presented to his family.
Mendez recounted how Johnson, her older brother had dreamed of becoming a star college football player before he became a soldier, and how on this day his dream had been fulfilled.
"All I can say is thank you for making him a star today," concluded Mendez.
"I cannot be more proud than I am right now to be a member of the 3rd ID, and we Dog Face soldiers are not only honoring Charlie with this dedication, but all the forgotten Charlie Johnsons of this division," Dingee concluded. "Rock of the Marne."
The Pfc. Charles R. Johnson Fitness Center, an approximately 80,000 foot facility, is the newest facility center on Fort Stewart. The facility features an indoor swimming pool, indoor running track, and climbing wall to include weight and cardio rooms for soldiers and family members to work out, promoting a healthy and active life style.
Related Links:
The 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division DVIDS page.
The official 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart Facebook page.
The official 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Facebook page.
The official 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart website.
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