Our First Squadron Commander
Lawrence
H. Johnson (Pete), Colonel, U. S. Army, Retired, age 75, died
January 14, 1999, in Destin FL. Colonel Johnson, Commander, 7th
Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment (Air), is survived by his wife,
Muriel, and his son, Hank. Colonel Johnson activated, formed and
trained the squadron at Fort Knox, KY in 1966 for deployment to
Vietnam. He named our squadron, "RUTHLESS RIDERS".
Colonel Johnson was our first commander at Fort Knox and for our
first year in Vietnam, 1967 to 1968. His cremanted remains were
buried in Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station,
Pensacola, FL 32508-1099 (850)452-3357 or 4196, on May 14, 1999.
Colonel Johnson retired in 1973.
Squadron Commander's Gunship UH-1C Tail
Number 66-038