Private First Class Johnnie Kay Perkins
U.S. Army
Date of Birth: September 4, 1947
Home of Record: Louisville, Kentucky
Date of Casualty: January 12, 1968
Casualty Province: Kien Tuong, South Vietnam
Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Panel 34E, Line 38
Service and Sacrifice
PFC Perkins served with Company C, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division (USARV).
A remembrance describing the unit’s actions reports that at approximately 7:05 AM, a squad-sized patrol from C Company, 4/39 Infantry was returning from a night ambush position to FSB Grey when a command-detonated Claymore mine exploded about a half mile northeast of Ap Binh Son in Kien Tuong Province. Five soldiers were killed in the blast, and three were wounded. PFC Perkins is listed among those killed.
This is the kind of loss that hits like lightning. One moment, the patrol is moving home. Next, everything changes.
🕯️ Reflection
Some sacrifices happen in famous battles.
Others occur in routine danger between battles, during the walk back from a night ambush when everyone is tired and trying to get home.
Today, we honor PFC Johnnie Kay Perkins.
We remember his youth.
We remember his service.
And we say his name.
Coolbeaners Appreciation
At mickyspano.com/, we honor the men and women who stepped forward when our nation called.
On January 12, 2026 The Micky Spano Show recognizes Private First Class Johnnie Kay Perkins, U.S. Army, killed in action, 58 years ago, on January 12, 1968, and remembered on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 34E, Line 38.
mickyspano.com/
The Micky Spano Show
Honoring a Veteran of the Day, every single day.
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