A 79-year-old Korean and Vietnam veteran was presented with an honorary high school diploma, fulfilling his lifelong wish thanks to a recommendation by the Holland Public Schools’ Board of Education.

Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant David Johnson, of Hudsonville, was awarded his long sought-after high school diploma by HPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Davis, HHS Principal Katie Pennington, and HPS Administrative Assistant Beth Kooiker at the HPS District Administration building, September 18.

Johnson, a former Holland Public Schools student, left Holland High School near the end of the 1953-54 school year at the age of 16 (his sophomore year) to join the United States Air Force. He was due to graduate with Holland High School’s Class of 1956.

Johnson served in the armed forces from 1955 until 1975. During the Korean War, Johnson served as an Airman basic at the Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina where he received a Good Conduct Medal and as an Airman First Class at the Travis Air Force Base near Napa, California. He also served in the Vietnam War for 6 years as a Sergeant, an Intel Operations Technician and Intel Operations Supervisor. Johnson retired as a Master Sergeant after 20 years of service.

“We wanted to recognize Mr. Johnson at the school board meeting but he doesn’t drive after dark,” said Dr. Davis. When Superintendent Davis asked Johnson if he would like to be recognized at the Veterans Assembly in November, Johnson said “I’m not sure I’m going to live to that day. I’m taking my diploma to my grave. It will be buried with me. This is one thing my mother always wished and hoped I could do and I was never able to get it.” “I think she’s celebrating with you today and watching you get this,” said Dr. Davis.

“Thank you to the board for considering that. You made a persons day. I hope you can imagine in many, many positive ways,” added Dr. Davis.