A Veteran's Journey from Vietnam to the Blue Line

Veteran Don Johnson began his military journey on February 23, 1966. He is from a large family, being the eldest of 11 children, and was born in the quaint town of Richland Center, Wisconsin. Growing up, Don was nurtured in a close-knit and supportive household, where his parents played influential roles in his life. During his childhood, the family relocated to Bloomer City, Wisconsin, where they settled on a sprawling dairy farm. It was here that Don gained invaluable insights into the farming lifestyle, learning about the relentless hours and demanding labor that comes with agricultural life. He recalls, “Milking a dozen head of cattle by hand is no easy task, but you gradually adapt to the routine and get the hang of it.”

After completing high school in May 1966, Don's life took a decisive turn. Just weeks later, on June 27, 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, motivated by a strong desire to serve his country and to fulfill his long-time dream of flying. Anticipating his impending draft notice in September, Don proactively chose to join the Army early, opting to enter the aviation field where his passion lay.

In February 1967, Don was deployed to Vietnam, where he took on the critical role of a crew chief aboard a UH-1 (Huey) helicopter. His responsibilities included maintaining the aircraft to ensure safe operations, and he also served as a door gunner during combat missions. Don would serve in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in 1968 until he completed his service in 1969.

Throughout his deployment, Don logged an impressive 1,800 hours in the air, undertaking numerous combat missions. He vividly remembers one incident where his helicopter crashed atop a mountain; miraculously, all crew members emerged from the wreckage unharmed. He experienced a second crash that was less severe but still a reminder of the dangers they faced. Stationed in Sóc Trăng, Don mainly flew missions transporting the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) soldiers, flying daily until the very last moment of his deployment. “Things could get pretty ugly out there,” he admits.

After completing his military service, Don embarked on a fulfilling career with the Wisconsin State Patrol, where he served for an impressive three decades. Throughout his tenure, he became a dedicated officer known for his commitment to public safety and community service. For 15 years, Don was a skilled pilot in the prestigious police air unit. In this role, he leveraged his expertise in aviation from being in the military to assist in various operations, including search and rescue missions, traffic monitoring, and pursuit of suspects, all while ensuring the safety of the citizens he protected. His unique combination of skills and dedication made a significant impact on the community he served.

When I asked him if he believed he had more to achieve in life, Don thoughtfully replied, “I had three goals on my bucket list: to become a truck driver like my dad, to be a pilot, and to serve as a state trooper. I feel like I’ve accomplished those aspirations, and I’m content.”

Reflecting on his time as a soldier, Don proudly declared, “I was called to serve, and I embraced that duty with all my heart. Freedom isn’t free, and I hope that I have made a meaningful contribution to help others recognize this vital truth.”