ENHAA Alumni Memoriam
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WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER

John H (Johnny) Jones - East High Class of 65 - Captain of the Eagles Football Squad Killed In Action Vietnam War

During his service in the Vietnam War, Marine Corps Sergeant Jones experienced a traumatic event which ultimately resulted in loss of life on August 16, 1967. Recorded circumstances attributed to: Died through hostile action, small arms fire. Incident location: South Vietnam, Quang Tin province. John is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. Panel 25e, Line 1.

Medals received for his sacrifice:
Silver Star was awarded posthumously
★ Purple Heart
★ Combat Action Ribbon
★ Marksmanship Badge
★ National Defense Service Medal
★ Vietnam Campaign Medal
★ Vietnam Service Medal
★ Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation
★ Vietnam Gallantry Cross
★ Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
★ Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal

In the spring of this year, friends and school mates of Johnny got together to find a way to memorialize his service and sacrifice. Lester Self and Steve McPherson, class of 1966; Rosalyn Donnell Horton, class of 1964, and Marilyn Gollnitz Kooch, class of 68.

Lester Self and the Vietnam Veterans of American, Chapter 240, Gallatin TN had recognized Johnny for a Memorial Commendation. It was our mission to determine how we would display this in the Alumni House for all to see. Steve McPherson had saved the original newspaper articles from The Tennessean newspaper which would be used in the memorial. This included an article, by Ms Betsy Hendrick, one of Johnny's teachers at East. It told of her correspondence with Johnny during his time in Vietnam. Everything was gathered, a layout was determined and Rosalyn was asked to take everything to Jerry's Artarama for framing.

On September 17th a group of Johnny's friends attended a presentation ceremony. The memorial was placed in the alumni meeting room, as a permanent display of his dedication and sacrifice to his fellow soldiers and his country.
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