Highlighting Our Community’s Veterans

Floyd Johnson ~ Served During Korean War

Wolf Point’s Floyd Johnson is celebrating his 90th birthday, but one of the most important times of his life came when he served his country during the Korean War.

Johnson’s time in the service was from September 1952 until September 1954.

After basic training, he became part of a 77th Special Forces group. His training included jumping school at Fort Benning in Georgia. He explained the training included going up about 250 feet on a cable and dropping down with a parachute.

Although Johnson didn’t mind the jumps, not everybody was the same. He particularly remembers one man in front of him.

“He just froze in his seat. I never saw that before,” Johnson said. “He ended up getting transferred to another company.”

Although Johnson was fortunate enough to stay stateside, the fact that he was ready to risk his life for his country is certainly admirable.

“You have to protect your country somehow,” he added.

When the time came to decide whether to enlist or not, Johnson desired to take the next step on his life.

“I said no, I’m going to go home and raise food for you guys,” he explained.

Johnson kept in contact with some of the other men in his unit for a while. “But they all have died now.”

Johnson will certainly remember those who served on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

“I think they all should be honored,” Johnson said. His 90th birthday was Tuesday, Nov. 10. He said last week that he wasn’t planning to get too carried away celebrating.

“I’m getting kind of old for doing much partying,” he joked.