Ceremony Honors Fort Hood Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

Fort Hood soldier Sgt. James Gregory Johnston was fatally wounded in a firefight in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan on June 25. This week, his body returned to Texas during a dignified transfer ceremony at Robert Gray Army Airfield.

As his plane touched ground July 5th, our partners at News 10 report Fort Hood's fire department honored Johnston with a water salute. His family was there to see him brought home.

News 10 reports that a memorial service is scheduled for Johnston Monday at 1 PM.

Fort Hood officials report that the 24-year-old's home of record is listed as Trumansburg, New York, and that he was assigned to 79th Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 71st Ordnance Group, Fort Hood since February of 2019. He entered active duty service in July of 2013 as an explosive ordnance disposal specialist and deployed in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in March 2019.

Johnston’s awards and decorations include a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge and Explosive Ordnance Badge.

“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of Sergeant James Johnston," said Lt. Col. Stacy M. Enyeart, commander of 79th Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal). "He was the epitome of what we as Soldiers all aspire to be: intelligent, trained, always ready. We will honor his service and his sacrifice to this nation as we continue to protect others from explosive hazards around the world."

Johnston's death remains under investigation by the Department of Defense.