Johnson, Robert Dennison, LCDR

LCDR Robert D. Johnson and ADJ1 Edward L Ott were assigned to Detachment 1, Light Helicopter Attack Squadron 3, onboard the USS GARRETT COUNTY (LST 786). On September 1, 1967, they were scrambled on a pre-dawn emergency launch to interdict Viet Cong forces attacking a friendly outpost. The UH-1H (tail number 63-08570) carried a four-man crew. The helicopter lifted off the deck of the USS GARRETT COUNTY and crashed 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 the pilot, Robert Johnson could not be recovered. Both were listed as Killed, Body Not Recovered.

This Sailor has an (IMO) Memory Of Headstone in Courts of the Missing, Honolulu, Hawaii