Fire Control Technician First Class

UNITED STATES NAVY

Brawner Garth Johnson was born on May 18, 1930, in Springfield, OH.  He attended local schools and was a member of the Charthage Christian Church in Cincinnati.  He was active in Demolay before entering the naval service in July 1948.

During his school years, Brawner was interested in outdoor sports, including hunting and fishing, and was especially adept at woodworking.

After enlisting in July 1948, he received his basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill.  His first sea-duty assignment was in the destroyer U.S.S. Williard Keith (DD 775), followed by a tour of duty in the destroyer minesweeper, U.S.S. Jeffers (DMS 27).

Brawner then attended the Navy's Fire Control Technician School and upon being graduated he was assigned to the submarine tender, U.S.S. Nereus (AS 17).  He volunteered for submarine duty and was assigned to the U.S.S. Capitaine (SS 336) which was operating as a unit of the Pacific Fleet.  On November 29, 1959, he became qualified as a submariner and was awarded his silver dolphins.

On February 27, 1961, Brawner was assigned to the nuclear-powered submarine U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593).  He had earned the Navy's Good Conduct Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal during his naval service.

Brawner is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary E. Johnson of Charleston, S.C.; his mother, Mrs. Edna Johnson of Cincinnati, Ohio; and two sisters, Mrs. Lee Herbert and Mrs. Glenn Rawlings.