Sergeant Major O'Neal Johnson
Sergeant Major Johnson was born in Brooklyn, New York. Shortly after graduating from Long Island City high School in Astoria, Queens he joined the United States Marine Corps. He entered Marine boot camp on 24 November 1981.
He attended MCRD Paris Island, Sc. Upon completing boot camp in February of 1982, Private Johnson went to MOS (7212) School at Ft Bliss. Texas to train to become a Redeye/Stinger Gunner. Pvt. Johnson's first duty station other assignments included MAC-18 1st Forward Air Area, 31st MAU, 2nd MAW, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (LAAD). Marine Barracks Naval Weapons Station Earle, Colt Neck, NJ, Career Planers School and Jump School at Ft. Benning, GA (1984). Cpl Johnson was promoted to Sergeant in 1985. Upon completing his duty at Marine Barracks Earle in November 1987, Sgt Johnson returned to 2nd MAW, 2nd LAAD Battalion. In July 1989 Sergeant Johnson ended his active duty career and joined the SMCR in January 1990. Sergeant Johnson joined 4th Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB) located in Baltimore, Maryland as a motor transport operator. In December 1990 Sergeant Johnson was mobilized for Desert Storm/Desert Shield, with 2nd CEB, 2nd Marine Division Camp Lejeune, NC.
While at 4th CEB, Staff Sergeant Johnson became the Battalion career planner. Staff Sergeant Johnson stayed in that billet for 2 years and then went to intelligence specialist school at Dam Neck Va. Staff Sergeant Johnson was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and served as the Battalion S-2 chief for the next 3 yrs. In January 1998 Gunnery Sergeant Johnson was promoted to First Sergeant and was assigned to HQCO HQBN 4TH FSSG Mariette, GA for 4 years and served and served as the company First Sergeant.
Prior to his detachment First Sergeant Johnson was selected to the rank of Sergeant Major and shortly after his selection he received orders to HMH 772 MAG-49 Willow Grove, PA where he served as the Squadron's Sergeant Major. On January 27, 2002 Sergeant Major Johnson's unit was mobilized to active duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom at MCAS New River North Carolina. On September 24, 2003 Sergeant Major's unit (HMH-772) returned to NAS JRB Willow Grove, PA.
Sergeant Major Johnson's personal Decorations include: The Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon.
In May 4, 2008, Sergeant Major Johnson was assigned at the Group Sergeant Major at the 4th Civil Affairs Group in Washington, DC.