Martin, John D.
SGT, U.S. Army
Dawson County, Texas

Picture:

Medals:

Purple Heart, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal

Biography:

Born June 21, 1945, Johnny Martin was an only child and the only one to graduate from college. After graduating from Lamesa High School, Martin earned his degree in transportation systems from Texas Tech University. Martin refused to order anyone to walk point on patrol; he always took the job himself. He died on July 13, 1969, after stepping on a mine.

A friend wrote what could have been the eulogy of many who were killed in Vietnam: "I suspect John would have had an ordinary life, much like the rest of us. He would have married and had children, worked and complained about taxes. But the world, and our country, has been a poorer place since his death and the loss of the good will he carried with him everywhere he went. He was irreplaceable, but who among those who died was not?

"It seems that the losses suffered in our youth were more severe than those we have in middle age. We are now insulated by our families, but in those days, our friends were our family. Vietnam fragmented that family. Damn war!"