Darius Johnson was born in St. George, South Carolina. In March 1998 Darius enlisted in the United States Army as an infantryman. He completed his Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. His first duty station was at Fort Myer (The Old Guard), Virginia where he served with honor as part of the "Presidential Marching Platoon" which performed ceremonies and special events for the President of the United States, political and foreign dignitaries.
Darius also had the opportunity to guard the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" and serve with the "United States Army Drill Team" and represented our nation in Australia, London and Scotland. During the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he was a part of the search and rescue team that dug for survivors and the remains of those lost at the Pentagon. In 2009, Darius carried the National Flag for President Obama's Inauguration, as well as the President's appearance at the 65th Anniversary at the Battle of Normandy. After this tour with "The Old Guard" he was assigned to Fort Wainwright, Alaska in January 2011.
Darius deployed to Afghanistan in March 2011 and one day while he and two squads were escorting a convoy of Afghan soldiers, they were ambushed. Through the gunfire Darius and his team were hit by multiple remote detonated IED’s planted in the ground. As a result of the second explosion, Darius received severe injuries – 30% body burned, traumatic brain injury, punctured lung, broken jaw and loss of his left arm.
At the end of his career Darius was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, 3 Army Commendation Medals, 5 Army Achievement Medals, 5 Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Medal, Afghanistan Campaign with 2 Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Badge, 2 Overseas Service Ribbons, Combat and Expert Infantry Badge, and a Gold Recruiter Badge for his service.
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