DEATH OF THE DAY

Sergeant who died in Afghanistan comes home to Fort Hood
By: Kathleen Curthoys

(PIC) Sgt. James Gregory Johnston was honored during a dignified transfer ceremony Friday, July 5, at Robert Gray Army Airfield, Fort Hood, Texas. His family wore Hawaiian shirts as a tribute to the soldier. (Army)


Sgt. James Gregory Johnston was honored Friday with a dignified transfer ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas.


Johnston, 24, died of injuries from small arms fire during combat operations June 25 in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan.


He deployed with 79th Ordnance Battalion, 71st Ordnance Group, 48th Chemical Brigade.


A post on a Fort Hood Facebook page noted that the soldier’s family wore Hawaiian shirts in memory of the soldier who had a fondness for colorful shirts.


“The Family has asked on their social media accounts for people to honor Johnston by wearing Hawaiian shirts today,” the post said.


Johnston and Master Sgt. Micheal B. Riley, a 32-year-old Green Beret with 10th Special Forces Group , both died from injuries from small arms fire on June 25 in Uruzgan province. The Defense Department is investigating the incident.


Johnston’s battalion commander remembered the Purple Heart recipient as "the epitome of what we as soldiers all aspire to be: intelligent, trained, always ready."


"We will honor his service and his sacrifice to this nation as we continue to protect others from explosive hazards around the world,” Lt. Col. Stacy M. Enyeart said in a statement.


A memorial service for Johnston is planned for 1 p.m. July 8, local station KWTX reported. Details of the location were not yet available from Fort Hood officials.