Admiral Means Johnston Jr., who commanded all NATO forces in Southern Europe, was buried with full military honors Wednesday, July 19, 1989, at Arlington National Cemetery.

Admiral Johnston, 73, a native of Greenwood, Mississippi, was eulogized at a memorial service by retired Admiral Thomas Moorer, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Admiral Moorer called Admiral Johnston's death "an extreme loss not only for his family and friends, but for the whole country." "He was a professional naval officer in every sense of the word," Admiral Moorer said, adding that "his standards included everything that has made this nation great." Admiral Moorer, a long-time friend of Admiral Johnston's, also described him as "a true Southern gentleman."

After the service, Admiral Johnston's flag-draped coffin was taken into the cemetery atop a caisson drawn by six white horses, accompanied by a four-member color guard, 20-piece band and 22-member ceremonial guard. After the flag was folded, it was presented to Admiral Johnston's widow, Hope Manning Larkin Johnston.

Admiral Johnston, who lived in McLean, Virginia, a Washington suburb, died Friday at Walter Reed Army Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Means Johnston of Greenwood.

Admiral Johnston achieved the rank of four-star admiral in 1973. He retired in 1975 after 40 years of service in the Navy.  He commanded forces of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in southern Europe from 1973 to 1975.

He was a native of Schlater, Mississippi, and a 1939 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.

Johnston commanded a destroyer in World War II, held several sea commands after the war and commanded the naval base at Newport, Rhode Island. After receiving a degree from Georgetown Law Center in 1951, he served in admininstrative posts for the Navy Department, including Chief of Legislative Affairs from 1969 to 1971, Inspector General from 1971 to 1973. 

He is survived by wife, former Hope Larkin; a daughter, a son, a sister, 2 brothers, and 4 grand-children.

JOHNSTON, MEANS
ADM   US NAVY
DATE OF BIRTH: 12/05/1916
DATE OF DEATH: 07/14/1989
BURIED AT: SECTION 3  SITE 4004-D 
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

JOHNSTON, HOPE L
DATE OF BIRTH: 02/10/1919
DATE OF DEATH: 08/02/2003
BURIED AT: SECTION 3  SITE 4004-D
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
WIFE OF JOHNSTON, MEANS ADM   US NAVY

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