| Donald Basil Johnson (1935 - 2011)
I first met Don Johnson aboard the USS LST 1122. I don't remember the year but it had to be 1953 or 1954. Don was fun to be with. We pulled many Liberties together. Don and I were both skinny teenagers but we did our duty aboard that old rust bucket as well as anyone could and enjoyed seeing land from San Diego to Hawaii to Japan and Korea and the open Pacific ocean between. Many years later when this crew of men began to renew old friendships with reunions each year, I met Don again. Wow! what a difference. I was 80 pounds heavier and Don was similar but I recognized that smiling face and his laugh. The "photo pages" on our web site shows Don and I (Bob Hand) on the first page and first picture. I have a great memory of Don and my life is better for having known him. Bob Hand
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Comments from others who knew Don Johnson
I was happy to receive in the mail an invite to join the crew of the LST1122 at a reunion in Laughlin Nevada. Don and Diane Johnson were hosts that year. I was nervous about going, not knowing anyone but I have to say when my wife and I entered the reception room I was greeted by Don and he made us feel very comfortable. Don's personallity was so outgoing that I felt I knew him from the ship, but I knew different because I boarded the ship in 1958. He introduced us to some shipmates and I knew then we all had something in common. From then on I was hooked on the reunions. Thank you Don for the first one. Jim Padden (1958-1960)
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