Vietnam War veteran receives long overdue honor

Salinas >> Johnnie Johnson, 66, is awarded the Vietnam Service Medal in honor of his work on the USS Coral Sea during Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon at the conclusion of the Vietnam War. Rep. Jimmy Panetta presented the award Wednesday afternoon at his office in Salinas. Manny Jimenez, a staffer in Panetta's office, helped research and correct Johnson's previous incorrectly-awarded medal. "This closes a chapter in my career," said Johnson. "I can finally call myself a Vietnam veteran." Johnson served a total of 20 years in the U.S. Navy.