This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Tommy Burgdorf (Birddog), FC2
to remember
Johnson, Robert Dennison, LCDR.
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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.
Other Comments:
This Sailor has an (IMO) Memory Of Headstone in Courts of the Missing, Honolulu, Hawaii
HAL-3: Feb 6, 2016
I flew with LCDR many times from the deck of the USS Garrett County.Our river patrol group consisted (at various times) of HAL-3 crew, River Patrol Forces,Seal Team 2, Korean Marines, US Marines and ships personnel .There was no medevac for our group, so we did search and rescue for the injured in the armored "HUEYS". After severl flights together to outposts,river banks and jungle areas he asked me to signal "Thumbs up or down" When I would collect a wounded warrior and returned into vision of the pilots.The was always concern for the wounded. On board the ship, he would travel through the enlisted quaters to check on me after we had a rough day. He was a great person and always showed concern for all the troops.My wife and children know of LCDR Johnson from my many recountings of his bravery and friendliness. I watched from deck as the copter went down into the river. It was a VERY sad period as we searched for the "Huey". I hope his family knows that he is still remembered by this old salior. HM2 Anthony E. Rawls.
