Roll Call Tribute

John Edward Johnson 

May 22, 1921 - June 1, 2024 

Dr. John Johnson passed away on June 1st, 2024, at the age of 103. He was always proud of his association with Texas A&M. With his death, another of the fast-dwindling number of the Greatest Generation has passed.

In 1942, John Johnson was studying veterinary science at Texas A&M University. However, he made the courageous decision to withdraw from school and enter military service. After completing basic training, he was assigned to the 5th Army and landed in Italy with the rank of Sergeant, serving as a Veterinarian Assistant. In the challenging mountainous terrain of Italy, where motorized vehicles were impractical, the army relied on mules as pack animals. John's role was crucial, providing medical care for these mules. As the end of WWII approached, he played a significant part in providing aid to the liberated prisoners at Dachau Concentration Camp as part of the medical department.

After fulfilling his military duty in WWII, he returned to Texas A&M, completed his studies, and earned his doctorate in 1946. During the Korean Conflict, Captain Johnson continued in the Army Reserve and inspected meat products intended for the troops in Korea.

In 1953, Dr. Johnson's unwavering dedication to his profession led him to establish an animal clinic in Dresden, Tennessee, marking the start of his private practice. However, his deep-rooted passion and his expertise brought him back to meat inspection in 1959, when he was employed by the US Department of Agriculture, a position he held until his retirement, a testament to his lifelong commitment to the field of veterinary science.