Dennis Johansen

Former Combat Photagrapher

Member, EWM

Wednesday Nov 1st, 2023

No Host Bar: 5:30 p.m., Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m.

Dennis Johansen entered into the Army in January 1967. Fourteen months later, in March 1968, following basic training at Ft. Bliss, Texas and advanced training at Ft. Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, IN, Dennis arrived at the Headquarters of the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam. 

Due to his education in journalism, Dennis was assigned to the Public Information Office where he ultimately became head of section of the combat photographers. The photographers were tasked with spending about two weeks at a time in combat operations with field units, reporting and photographing about combat and daily routine for some of the nearly 20,000 men in the Division.

When the stories about the unit had been completed, the writer/photographer was required to return to base camp at Cu Chi, and turn his handwritten notes into legible copy to be placed on the news wire and with Stars and Stripes. The 25th Infantry Division also published weekly its own tabloid-sized newspaper which was printed in Tokyo and distributed to every man in the Division. 

While at the 25th, Dennis had nearly a dozen stories ultimately carried by either United Press International (UPI) or Associated Press (AP) and more than 60 stories printed in the 25th Infantry Newspaper. An additional 90 or more combat photos were carried by the wire services. In June 1968, Dennis was appointed head of section and began flying extensively with one of the three generals who commanded the division.

Dennis successfully completed his Vietnam duties in March 1969 and returned to the states. While he was in Vietnam, Dennis was awarded the Air Medal with three clusters, the Bronze Star with two clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with two clusters in addition to several other in-theater awards.

Dennis "Denny" is an awesome member of the aircraft restoration staff. We all appreciate his contributions to the museum in this role.

See more information on Denny Johansen, view here.

Dinner is catered and open to the public ($25/person), reservations are required prior to 6 p.m., Monday prior to dinner, either On-line HERE or call 805 296-1935.