SACRAMENTO – Due to unknown circumstances the name of Private First Class Ralph Henry Johnson, United States Marine Corps, was left off the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial 25 years ago when it was constructed and dedicated.

This oversight was corrected during a rededication ceremony for the memorial that took place on Saturday in Capitol Park in Sacramento.

A native of South Carolina, PFC Johnson, who was 19 years old at the time of his death, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1967 in Oakland.

The Department of Defense lists the state from which one enlists in military service as the home of record, so officially PFC Johnson is considered to be from California.

PFC Johnson’s engraved name will be unveiled on the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial in a ceremony honoring him and all Californians who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

Congressional Medal of Honor Citation:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a reconnaissance scout with Company A, in action against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces. In the early morning hours during Operation ROCK, Pfc. Johnson was a member of a 15-man reconnaissance patrol manning an observation post on Hill 146 overlooking the Quan Duc Valley deep in enemy controlled territory. They were attacked by a platoon-size hostile force employing automatic weapons, satchel charges and hand grenades. Suddenly, a hand grenade landed in the 3-man fighting hole occupied by Pfc. Johnson and 2 fellow marines. Realizing the inherent danger to his 2 comrades, he shouted a warning and unhesitatingly hurled himself upon the explosive device. When the grenade exploded, Pfc. Johnson absorbed the tremendous impact of the blast and was killed instantly. His prompt and heroic act saved the life of 1 marine at the cost of his life and undoubtedly prevented the enemy from penetrating his sector of the patrol's perimeter. Pfc. Johnson's courage, inspiring valor and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.”