Millbrook’s Memorial Day

Millbrook — Don Dingee, Korean War Veteran and Dutchess County resident, said he is determined to ensure all his fellow veterans are remembered long after their death.As the guest speaker at Millbrook’s Memorial Day ceremonies, Dingee spoke about his comrade in the Korean War, Charlie Johnson, a Dutchess County resident and Arlington High School graduate. “Charlie Johnson is my personal hero,” Dingee said. “He saved me twice: He pulled me out of the bunker where I was wounded and proceeded to take me back to a face bunker. And he went out and saved another eight or nine guys by challenging the enemy. I will never forget him. I honor him as much as I can. I go out to his grave site right here in Millbrook.” Johnson was posthumously awarded a Silver Star, the nation’s third highest medal for valor in the face of the enemy, in a ceremony at Arlington High School in 2010.As part of his effort to honor Johnson, Dingee made sure the documentary “Hold At All Costs,” a film discussing forgotten stories of the Korean War and the Battle of Outpost Harry, featured his friend. The documentary ends with Johnson’s Silver Star ceremony. In addition to the film, Johnson’s name will live on in the Charlie Johnson Scholarship, which awards $1,000 to a boy or girl who exemplifies his honorable qualities. Dingee said he hopes that the Charlie Johnson Memorial Fund will grow and expand in the future. “We have a whole group in Arlington High School that honors him and teaches his values,” Dingee said. “We are hoping that it will stretch out to Millbrook and they will be able to do the same thing because he is a wonderful guy.”