Dan E. Johnson enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps in March 1951. After recruit training, he was assigned to Engineer School Battalion at Courthouse Bay, Camp Lejeune, NC. In 1953, he joined Company C, 1^st Shore Party Battalion in Korea. He returned to the States and was assigned to Company C, 2^nd Shore Party Battalion, 2ndMarDiv at Camp Lejeune. In 1956, Dan reported to Recruiters School and upon successful completion, was assigned to RSS Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Upon completion of recruiting duty in 1960, Dan was selected to the 1^st Warrant Officer Class at The Basic School, Quantico, VA. As a Warrant Officer, Dan was assigned to MABS-14, MAG-14, 2^nd MAW at Cherry Point, NC from 1960 to 1964 as the Assistant Motor Transport Officer. From 1964 to 1965, Dan served in Vietnam with MABS-16, MAG-16, 1^st MAW as Fuels Officer.

Upon returning to the States, Dan reported to WES-37, MWSG-37, 3d MAW at El Toro, CA. Dan served his second tour of duty in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 as the Executive Officer for PROVMAG-39, H&MS-39, 1^st MAW. From 1969 to 1971, Dan was assigned as the Inspector-Instructor in Newport News, VA. In 1971, he returned to WERS-37, MWSG-37 at El Toro. Another overseas assignment in 1975 took Dan to Iwakuni, Japan where he was assigned to WERS-17, MWSG-17, 1^st MAW. His last assignment was as the Station S-4 from 1976 to 1980 at MCAS, Beaufort, SC.

Dan's medals and awards include the Meritorious Service Medal; Navy Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal (w/2 stars); Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; RVN Gallantry Cross; Vietnam Campaign Medal; United Nations Korean Service Medal; United Nations Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation; and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Dan's military education/training includes: Tractor Operators Course Instructor; Engineer Equipment Master Mechanic Course; Recruiters School; Warrant Officer Basic School; Combat Engineer Officers Course; and Army Petroleum Supply School. Dan's special achievements include being recognized as the Top Recruiter in the Nation from January to June 1958 for attainment of 220% of quota; Selection for the 1^st Warrant Officer Class to attend The Basic School; and being selected President for 1^st WOC Mess Night in 1960 in which Chesty Puller was the Guest of Honor. Dan is a member of the Marine Corps Mustang Association, the Marine Corps Engineer Association, and the 1^st Warrant Officer Class Association.

Dan attended high school in Estelline, Lakeview, and Copperas Cove, Texas. He received his GED in 1957. Following military retirement, Dan was employed from 1983 to 1985 as Manager of the La Quinta Motor Inn in Cheyenne, Wyoming. From 1985 to 1997, Dan was employed by Frito-Lay Corporation as a Security Supervisor. Dan and his wife Doretha (Dodie), currently reside in The Colony, Texas.