H*5295 Concurrent Resolution, By Lourie, Allen, Altman, Anthony, Bailey, Bales, 
Barfield, Battle, Bingham, Bowers, Branham, Breeland, G. Brown, J. Brown, 
R. Brown, Cato, Ceips, Chellis, Clark, Clemmons, Clyburn, Coates, Cobb-Hunter, 
Coleman, Cooper, Cotty, Dantzler, Davenport, Delleney, Duncan, Edge, Emory, 
Freeman, Frye, Gilham, Gourdine, Govan, Hagood, Hamilton, Harrell, Harrison, 
Harvin, Haskins, Hayes, Herbkersman, J. Hines, M. Hines, Hinson, Hosey, Howard, 
Huggins, Jennings, Keegan, Kennedy, Kirsh, Koon, Leach, Lee, Limehouse, 
Littlejohn, Lloyd, Loftis, Lucas, Mack, Mahaffey, Martin, McCraw, McGee, McLeod, 
Merrill, Miller, Moody-Lawrence, J.H. Neal, J.M. Neal, Neilson, Ott, Owens, 
Parks, Perry, Phillips, Pinson, E.H. Pitts, M.A. Pitts, Quinn, Rhoad, Rice, 
Richardson, Rivers, Rutherford, Sandifer, Scarborough, Scott, Simrill, Sinclair, 
Skelton, D.C. Smith, F.N. Smith, G.M. Smith, G.R. Smith, J.E. Smith, J.R. Smith, 
W.D. Smith, Snow, Stewart, Stille, Talley, Taylor, Thompson, Toole, Townsend, 
Tripp, Trotter, Umphlett, Vaughn, Viers, Walker, Weeks, Whipper, White, 
Whitmire, Wilkins, Witherspoon and Young
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND THE EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM OF PRIVATE FIRST
 CLASS RALPH H. JOHNSON WHO WAS AWARDED THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HIS VALOR IN
 COMBAT, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARD THAT CAN BE BESTOWED UPON A MEMBER OF THE
 ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES.

   05/19/04  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-19
   05/19/04  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence SJ-19

TO COMMEND THE EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS RALPH H. JOHNSON WHO WAS AWARDED THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HIS VALOR IN COMBAT, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AWARD THAT CAN BE BESTOWED UPON A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES.

Whereas, throughout our nation's history, men and women in all eras from Concord and Lexington to Falleujah have gone in harm's way to protect and secure our country's freedom and way of life; and

Whereas, to recognize extraordinary heroism the Congress of the United States established the Medal of Honor which represents the highest award for valor in combat that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces of the United States; and

Whereas, there have been more than three thousand four hundred recipients but fewer than one hundred forty remain with us today; and

Whereas, most recipients of the medal are ordinary Americans from ordinary backgrounds who, under extraordinary circumstances and at great risk to their own lives, performed an incredible act or a series of acts of conspicuous valor that clearly sets them apart from their comrades; and

Whereas, thirty-seven citizens with South Carolina roots have received the Medal of Honor since its inception; and

Whereas, Private First Class Ralph H. Johnson is one of these South Carolinians who has demonstrated conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity to sacrifice his life while serving as a reconnaissance scout with the United States Marine Corps, Company A, in an action against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces; and

Whereas, during Operation ROCK, Private First Class Johnson was a member of a fifteen-man reconnaissance patrol when they were attacked. While in a fighting hole with two other men, Private First Class Johnson valiantly and unhesitatingly hurled himself upon a grenade that was thrown into his hole; and

Whereas, Private First Class Johnson was killed instantly as he absorbed the devastating impact of the grenade. This heroic act saved the life of one marine and undeniably prevented the enemy from penetrating his sector of the perimeter; and

Whereas, his supreme valor and inspiring self-sacrifice provide a lasting example of the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service; and

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, would like to publicly recognize and honor the memory of Private First Class Ralph H. Johnson, this brave and courageous American, for his extraordinary heroism in the defense of our country and her ideals which epitomizes the very best of what America stands for. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly commend the extraordinary heroism of Private First Class Ralph H. Johnson who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor in combat, which is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a member of the armed forces of the United States.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the family of Private First Class Ralph H. Johnson.