In Memoriam: LCpl Philip Johnson of Enfield, 1987-2006

ENFIELD, CT — Ten years have passed since one of the most agonizing days in Enfield history: Sept. 3, 2006.

On that fateful day, a 19-year-old Marine from Enfield, Lance Corporal Philip A. Johnson, was killed in action while conducting combat operations in Habbaniyah, Iraq.

Prior to deployment, LCpl Johnson, a 2005 graduate of Enfield High School, had been assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

In May 2011, the park adjacent to the Mark Twain Congregate Housing Center on South Road was rededicated as the Veterans Memorial Athletic Complex. The two baseball fields at the site were dedicated to the memories of LCpl Johnson and Gunnery Sgt. Phillip A. Jordan, who was killed in action in 2003.

Since receiving the knock on the door that every military parent dreads a decade ago, Kathy and Lou Johnson have handled themselves with grace and dignity, and have earned the admiration of the entire Enfield community.

Rest in peace LCpl Johnson. Semper Fidelis.

Photo courtesy of the Johnson family

Video credit: Tony Chamberland via YouTube