Johnson, Edwin Wayne Jr
Male
Verified Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Wayne Johnson Jr., 31, of Columbus, Georgia, was a U.S. Marine assigned to the 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, based in Okinawa, Japan. He died in Kunar province, Afghanistan, on September 8, 2009.
Their Story
Edwin Wayne Johnson Jr. was a career Marine who served with the 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, based in Okinawa, Japan. His service included deployments to the Philippines and the Horn of Africa before his assignment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On September 8, 2009, Johnson was killed during combat operations in Kunar province, a volatile region in eastern Afghanistan bordering Pakistan. According to the Defense Casualty Analysis System, his death was the result of hostile action. The Marine Corps did not release specific details of the engagement.
Johnson's death occurred during a period of escalating violence in the Afghan war. By 2009, the Taliban had significantly reconstituted its forces, and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and direct fire engagements had become more frequent, contributing to a sharp increase in U.S. and coalition casualties that year.
Following his death, Johnson was posthumously promoted from Staff Sergeant to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He was survived by his wife and children. A memorial service was reportedly held at his unit's base in Okinawa.
His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and is listed on casualty rolls maintained by the Department of Defense. He is remembered by his unit and community as a dedicated Marine.
Explore Further
Gunnery Sergeant Johnson was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
