© 2024 WMKY
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

PFC David L. Johnson of Fleming County Remembered With Memorial Highway Signs

Kentucky Department of Highways District 9

Three miles of KY 57 in Fleming County has been forever named in honor of U.S. Army soldier and native son David Lee Johnson.

The Johnson family, with assistance from the American Legion, VFW, and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, hosted a highway dedication ceremony Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Fleming County courthouse to honor the soldier, who gave his life for his country while serving in Vietnam.

At the event, the Transportation Cabinet unveiled official signs naming KY 57 at Mount Carmel as the “PFC David L. Johnson Memorial Highway.”

Through a bill sponsored by state Rep. William Lawrence that was passed by the Kentucky legislature and signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear, the state highway from Penny Patch Lane to the Lewis County line will remain forever named in Johnson’s honor.

Johnson, born Dec. 23, 1946, began his tour of duty with the U.S. Army’s 9th Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, A Company in October 1968. On Jan. 6, 1969, Johnson and nine other men of A Company were killed during a heavy engagement with the enemy in Kien Phong province, south Vietnam.

On Saturday, his wife Connie Johnson and family gathered with local veterans, state legislators, officials, and friends to pay tribute to his service and sacrifice. Ceremonies included the presentation of colors by American Legion Post 5 of Flemingsburg and American Legion Post 126 of Morehead, and other military honors organized by Legion members and VFW Post 1834. The veterans also presented an encased American flag to Mrs. Johnson. Judge-Executive Larry Foxworthy, Rep. Lawrence, and family members shared remarks and other remembrances. The event culminated in the unveiling of the memorial highway signs.

On Monday, the Kentucky Department of Highways District 9 traffic crew placed the memorial signs – one sign each direction on KY 57 before you reach his home community of Mount Carmel – so all those who pass by will remember and honor PFC Johnson in the decades to come. The agency will maintain the signs in perpetuity.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet