Robert B. Johnston

Robert Ballantyne Johnston (6 October 1937 – 19 October 2023) was a United States Marine Corps lieutenant general whose last duty assignment was as Commander, Marine Forces Atlantic, Marine Forces Europe and II Marine Expeditionary Force. During the Gulf War, he served as the Central Command Chief-of-Staff. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1995 after over 34 years of service. Johnston died on 19 October 2023, at the age of 86.

Early life and education Robert Ballantyne Johnston was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on 6 October 1937. He immigrated to the United States in 1955 and graduated from San Diego State College with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1961. He received a Master of Business Administration from the United States International University in 1975. He was also a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

Military career Early career Johnston was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in December 1961. His first tour of duty was with the 1st Marine Brigade in Hawaii as a Rifle Platoon Commander, Company Executive Officer and Assistant Regimental S-3, respectively. In May 1965, he deployed with the Brigade to Vietnam, where he served as Assistant Regimental S-3. He served a second tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, as a Rifle Company Commander in the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines and as Assistant G-2, 3rd Marine Division. He was promoted to first lieutenant in June 1963 and captain in September 1965. He was promoted to colonel in May 1983 while at Camp Lejeune. In May 1991, he returned to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida and was assigned as the Deputy Commander in Chief and Chief of Staff, United States Central Command.

On 8 July 1993 he assumed his final assignment as Commander, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, II Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Forces Europe on 19 July 1993. Lieutenant General Johnston retired on 1 August 1995 after 34 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Personal life Johnston was a fitness enthusiast and a sports fan. He reportedly ran five miles every day and in his mid-fifties he achieved a perfect score on the Marine Physical Fitness Test. He was a fan of football, rugby, and soccer.

Decorations and awards Johnston's decorations include: