Blount and Beyond Online Magazine - Magazine - Page 67
Capt Johnny L Bryant, born on 16 August 1943 and died on 22 May 1969 in Vietnam (aged
25), and he was the son of Laura Jane Bryan Garland and John Leon Bryant. Johnny Bryant
was born and raised in Blount County and graduated from Lanier High School in 1960. He
served in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 334th AHC, 145th Aviation Battalion, 12th
Aviation Brigade where he logged more 2,000 combat hours as a helicopter pilot. He was
awarded 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 2 Bronze Star Medals, 24 Air Medals, 2 Army
Commendation Medals and 4 Purple Hearts Medals. Johnny survived being shot down five
times during the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, he was killed in action after being shot down for
the sixth time on May 22, 1969. His remains were returned to Blount County, and he is buried at
Four Mile Cemetery, Blount County, TN.
CPT Gordon Abner Hawkins, was born on 31 July 1937 and died on 11 June 1968 (aged 30)
Bình Định, Vietnam. He was buried at Shady Grove Cemetery, Miser Station, Blount County,
Tennessee. He was the son of Carmen Miser and Dr John Abner Hawkins Jr. He was married
to Mary Jo Williams.