Ottawa’s Johnson tabbed White Sox ‘Hero of the Game’

CHICAGO - Have you ever had over 30,000 people give you a standing ovation?

After Friday night, Larry Johnson - a lifetime Ottawa resident and combat veteran of the Vietnam War - can say yes and for very good reason.

Johnson, who served in Vietnam in 1969 as a United States Army sergeant leading squads and platoons in the First Infantry Division, was honored by the Chicago White Sox at Guarantee Rate Field prior to the home team coming to bat against the New York Yankees as their “Hero of the Game.”

Making it a little more special for Johnson was the fact his ceremony occurred on Flag Day and the 244th birthday of the Army.

Each home game in 2019, the Sox have and will honor a member of the military, whether in active duty, retired or veteran.

“It was just so emotional,” Johnson said in the tunnel just behind the White Sox dugout moments after his recognition on the field. “This past week, I’ve had so many people come up to me and thank me, not only for my military service, but also for what I try and do in the city of Ottawa to help people. You want to give back and I’ve been fortunate to be in a position to do that.”

Johnson, who was nominated for the honor by his wife, Gayla, earned the Purple Heart medal after being wounded in action, as well as the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

“Back early this year, the White Sox sent me a questionnaire to fill out with a bio of my military service,” said Johnson, who helps run JJ’s Bar and Grill in Ottawa and has been a White Sox season-ticket owner since 1981. “I didn’t really forget about it, but it wasn’t on my front burner. Then about three weeks ago, I was driving down to Springfield with my old boss, Tony Mautino, for beer (distributors) meetings and my wife called me. She says ‘The White Sox just called and wanted to know if I would be available for the game on June 14 to be their ‘Hero of the Game’ that night?

“I said, “You bet I am.”

After the top of the third, Johnson walked on the field near the third-base dugout and waved to the 31,438 fans on hand - including a few dozen family and friends donning t-shirts with “Uncle Larry, Hero of the Game” - as his military biography was shown on the center field video board and read by the PA announcer.

During the few minutes he was on the field and with all in attendance on their feet and cheering, Johnson said he couldn’t help but think of his buddies that didn’t make it back and said it was tough to hold himself together as the crowd honored his service.

“There are the ‘why’s’ about the guys that are no longer with us,” said Johnson. “I didn’t have flashbacks or anything like that, but the question is always why did I make it? I was unbelievable lucky ... I got hit in the leg. They sent me to Tokyo, Japan and while I was there this young doctor says ‘Hey sarge, you want to get back to the real world?’

“I said, ‘Quit messing around with me,’ but he wasn’t. After stops in Anchorage, Alaska and Scott Air Force Base ... I was home.”

Johnson is a 1965 graduate of Ottawa High School, served as the manager for the football and basketball teams, played and coached football at Illinois Valley Community College and was also a high school basketball referee. He also heads Ottawa First, the nonprofit group which arranges for Ottawa’s Independence Day fireworks show.

“I don’t know what else to say,” said Johnson, tears welling in his eyes. “I just feel extremely honored.”