8/6/1970
SSG Rodney George Johndro was killed on 6 August 1970. SSG Johndro was assigned to the 269thOrdnance Detachment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) ), 6th Ordnance Battalion, 45th General Support Group, Army Support Command Qui Nhon, 1st Logistical Command/United States Army, Vietnam, Da Nang, Quang Nam Province (today called Da Nang Province), Republic of Vietnam. SSG Johndro and SP4 Ronald W. Berringer were in the process of setting up a demolition shot to destroy some unserviceable ammunition at Landing Zone Hawk Hill, Quang Tin Province (today called Quang Nam Province), Republic of Vietnam, when he was killed. SSG Johndro was in the crater from a previous detonation stacking the ammunition and SP4 Ronald W. Barringer along with some other troops were outside the crater getting more ammunition. It was reported that there was a big flash followed by several small explosions, probably from at least three M26 HE fragmentation hand grenade, then more flare ups. SSG Johndro received severe fragmentation wounds to the head and chest. SP4 Barringer along with one of the security personnel entered the shot hole and pulled SSG Johndro out while ammunition rounds and small explosions were still going off, and just minutes before everything exploded. SP4 Barringer placed the mortally wounded SSG Johndro in the truck and took him to a medic. SSG Johndro died a short time latter from a grenade fragment that had pierced his heart. An investigation concluded that a quantity 152mm propellant in the combustible case ignited.
*This bio was researched and authored by SGM Mike R.Vining, USA (Retired). Please send any additional information and/or corrections to the author of this bio by email:Â sgmmvining@gmail.com. The EOD Warrior Foundation is not responsible for the accuracy of the information in bio.