Tribute to Atomic Veteran Johnny Louis Britton Jr.

Rank: E-5

Branch: Defense Nuclear Agency

Role: Military Police

Unit: Joint Task Force Defense Nuclear Agency

Service Dates: August 15, 1979 - February 15, 1980

Location: Enewetak

Tribute to Atomic Veteran Johnny Louis Britton Jr., Courageous Guardian of Enewetak

In honor of our brave Atomic Veterans - This tribute honors the dedicated service of Johnny Louis Britton Jr., an E-5 Military Police officer with the Defense Nuclear Agency, who served at Enewetak Atoll as part of the Joint Task Force. Johnny’s responsibilities included police patrol duties, crime and incident investigations, and the completion of critical reports, ensuring the safety and security of personnel on the atoll.

Johnny's role was demanding, requiring vigilance and a strong sense of duty as he navigated the challenges of maintaining order in an environment fraught with potential dangers. His commitment to his duties extended beyond the routine, as he also took on the arduous task of digging into the soil to fill sandbags during typhoon season, protecting the police station from potential flooding—a task that often required him to dig as much as three feet into the soil behind the station.

Throughout his service, Johnny demonstrated resilience and dedication, often working under physically taxing conditions. His service on Enewetak Atoll, primarily focused on safeguarding the mission and its personnel, stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to duty and his fellow servicemembers.

In the years following his service, Johnny faced significant health challenges. In 1983, he was sent to Walter Reed Medical Center due to elevated CPK levels, leading to concerns about his kidney function. By 1985, he began showing symptoms of diabetes, and in 1989, he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. His health journey continued with the partial removal of his parathyroid in 2006, a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease in 2007, and ultimately, the failure of his kidneys in 2013, leading to his dependence on dialysis. In 2014, Johnny was diagnosed with prostate cancer, adding to the list of challenges he bravely faced.

Despite these hardships, Johnny Louis Britton Jr. remains a symbol of strength and resilience. His service at Enewetak Atoll and the struggles he has endured since are a testament to his character and dedication. As we honor him, we also recognize the sacrifices made by all who served at Enewetak, ensuring their legacy of courage and commitment will never be forgotten.