Scope and Contents

Approximately one linear foot of military administrative documents, photographs, and a painting document Sidney W. Johnston's service in the United States Navy, including his time in Vietnam as a boat captain for Tango 54 (Assault Troop Carrier) River Assault Division 131. The potrait was painted by Johnston and is a depiction of his experiences in Vietnam on December 1969 and is titled 'My Nightmare.'

Biographical / Historical

Sidney W. Johnston was born in Ward, Colorado on 10 January 1939. He first joined the United States Navy in January 1956 and served until December 1959. He married Jo Ann Blackwell in 1960, but sadly she lost her life to cancer five years later.

Johnston rejoined the U.S. Navy on 10 January 1965 and was sent to Vietnam after 11 weeks of training. He served in seven campaigns in Vietnam as a boat captain for Tango 54 (Assault Troop Carrier) River Assault Division 131. He was awarded the following Medals and Citations during his time in Vietnam: Silver Star, Bronze Star, Navy Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, Navy Good Conduct Medal with one Bronze Star, National Defense Medal with one Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with one Silver Star and five Bronze Stars, and a Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Campaign Medal with Gallantry Cross and Palm. Johnston was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on