SFC Jeremiah "JW" Johnson Memorial March

Join the Fort Bragg, Southeast Regional and Special Operations Chemical Corps Regimental Association, as we conduct our inaugural road march in honor of SFC Jeremiah "JW" Johnson, during the month of October.

On October 4, 2017, Sergeant First Class Jeremiah Johnson, made the ultimate sacrifice supporting his brothers in arms. This 4.5 mile memorial march is signify the 45 mile return that was cut short, being ambushed for three hours and eighteen minutes during and intense firefight in Tongo Tongo, Niger, against a very determined enemy.

Background information:

As Operational Detachment Alpha 3212 in support of Operation Juniper Shield, was set to return on their planned 45 mile route back to Ouallam, Niger, an ambush was waiting. Over 100 enemy personnel executed the ambush from prepared positions with overwhelming small arms, machine gun, indirect fire, and vehicle mounted weapons systems. JW recognized a rear attack on his vehicle dismounted and assumed a defensive position, engaging suppressive fire at the enemy while under heavy fire. JW fired over the hood of the vehicle towards the tree line outnumbered by the enemy three to one. As the team continued their movement towards the south under fire, JW fell to the ground, leaving him exposed to enemy fire. Staff Sergeant (SSG) Wright immediately backed up the SUV to bring him into cover. Simultaneously, SSG Black was slightly ahead of the SUV and was hit by small arms fire, killing him instantly. JW regained his footing and ran to SSG Black, checking for wounds. SSG Wright exited the halted vehicle, looked toward the enemy and then dragged SSG Black into cover. The two remained in the kill zone with SSG Black's body and further assessed his wounds. JW disregarded his own personal safety and held his exposed position in the heaviest engagement position in order to provide supporting fires to the machine gunner, while shuttling ammunition. JW provided cover fire as the detachment attempted to relocate to a more secure defensive position. Approximately 85 meters southwest of the SUV, JW was hit by enemy fire and collapsed. JW chose to sacrifice himself so that his teammates may live.