05 Feb Retired Veteran Recognized At The Carolina Inn For His Special Forces Service

The Korean War is often referred to as the “Forgotten War” since it occurred between the more highly publicized WWII and Vietnam War. However, soldiers who fought valiantly in Korea have never been forgotten. This includes retired Major Joseph Johnson who recently was honored in a ceremony to present him with his Special Forces Tab. Though Johnson was on active duty more than 70 years ago, the Tab was not established until 1983.

Only 23 years old when he served as a lieutenant in the Airborne and Special Forces, Johnson is now in his 90s and a resident at The Carolina Inn in Fayetteville, North Carolina. As part of the 8240 Army Unit based in South Korea, he and fellow soldiers helped the United Nations train North Korean partisans in guerrilla warfare in 1951.

During the 1950s, Johnson was one of the first graduates of Special Forces training and paved the way for Special Forces graduates who followed. Still considered the Army’s elite, this group grew out of the establishment of the Special Operations Division of the Psychological Warfare Center activated at Fort Liberty (at that time Fort Bragg). Today, the military installation remains one of the largest in the world, bordering the towns of Fayetteville, Spring Lake and Southern Pines in North Carolina.

Johnson is one of many retired military personnel who now reside at The Carolina Inn. The Assisted Living community provides compassionate care for seniors who require support with the activities of daily living, allowing them to retain their independence and dignity as they age.

Learn more about The Carolina Inn and the rich military tradition in Fayetteville, or click here to schedule a visit.