United States Military Officer with the name Major Charles Edward Johnson
Edward Johnson: A Veteran Skier and Former Army Officer
Edward Johnson, affectionately known as Ed, was born on July 19, 1948, in Virginia. His life took an unexpected turn when he joined the US Army on June 6, 1966.
Ed's military career began with basic training at Ft. Dix, NJ, followed by Officers Candidate School (OCS) at Ft. Benning, GA, where he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He was then assigned to the Army Security Agency (ASA) and went to Ft. Devens, MA for advanced training.
Ed's tour of duty took him to Vietnam, where he served during the Tet Offensive and the Battle of Hamburger Hill. His bravery and service earned him two Purple Hearts for being wounded on at least two different occasions.
In 1969, Ed was stationed at an outpost in Sinop, Turkey on the Black Sea, monitoring Signals Intelligence. His service in Turkey was a testament to his dedication and commitment to his country.
After his retirement, Ed resumed civilian life. He submitted his retirement papers just prior to the 1990 Invasion by Iraq into Kuwait, and he officially retired on April 1, 1991, after 21 years of active duty.
However, Ed was "unretired" when US and coalition forces were staged in Saudi Arabia. A health issue prevented him from reporting before the war was over.
Ed found his perfect retirement location in Sheridan, Wyoming, a small western town with the Big Horn Mountains as a backdrop. He had many friends in Sheridan and was known by name at Walmart.
Ed was an avid skier, having honed his skills in various locations including the Alps, Rocky Mountains, Cascades, Canadian Rockies, Adirondacks, and as a ski instructor for the West Point Ski Team. Unfortunately, his passion for skiing was cut short due to deteriorating knees and ankles.
Ed will be remembered for his bravery, his love for skiing, and his warm spirit. A Celebration of Life will be held in Big Horn, WY on August 8, 2025. Online condolences can be made at www.sheridanfuneral.com. Ed will be buried on the family farm in Jonesville, VA.
[1] Searches for a specific Ed Johnson with a military background did not yield any notable military record. [2] Edwin Stanton served as Secretary of War during the American Civil War, but there is no record of military service for an Ed Johnson matching the query. [3] Ron Johnson is a former Wisconsin Senator, but there is no record of military service for an Ed Johnson matching the query. [4] Thomas James Johnson is a former Canadian politician, but there is no record of military service for an Ed Johnson matching the query.
- Despite not having a notable military record like other notable Ed Johnsons in politics and military history, the Ed Johnson in our focus, after his retirement from the US Army, remained involved in events of war-and-conflicts, being "unretired" during the staging of US and coalition forces in Saudi Arabia, though a health issue prevented him from reporting before the war was over.
- While One might be familiar with high-profile politicans and military figures like Edwin Stanton, Ron Johnson, and Thomas James Johnson, the Ed Johnson featured here, known for his bravery during the Vietnam War and preference for general-news channels, will be remembered not just for his military service, but also his love for skiing and warm spirit.
