St. Louis, Mo., May, 2024…. Mr. Johnny L. Gross is a member of Washington Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in St. Louis, MO, where The Reverend Dr. Anthony Witherspoon is Pastor. He has been a member since 2004 and sings bass in the Voices of Zion. He was previously in the Inspirational-Gospel Choir.
Mr. Gross was selected for “The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight” to Washington, D.C. held on April 9, 2024, which gave him the opportunity to experience what other World War I, World War II, and Korean veterans were given on their return home. After serving his country in the Vietnam War, he was overjoyed to return to his family in St. Louis, MO, however, he never received a “Welcome Home” from America.
Mr. Johnny L. Gross entered the United States Air Force after attending Jackson State University in 1963. His basic training was at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. Afterward, he attended Telecommunications School at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. In 1972, he was assigned to Udorn AFB in Bangkok, Thailand, in support of the Vietnam War. He retired from the Air Force in 1981, serving at Scott AFB, Illinois, as the personal Superintendent of Communication for the General. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.
Honor Flight is an all-expense paid trip for veterans to visit the nation’s capital and memorials honoring our veterans. His goal was to locate the names of his comrades Willie Fullilove, Willie J Croom, Jimmie L Forrest. and Carter L. Williams. He was able to see the names of the four soldiers who were killed in Vietnam and enjoy a day of fellowship with other veterans.
Mr. Gross was accompanied by his son Derral of St. Louis, MO. The day was bittersweet as it was the birthday of his late wife, Dorothy. Johnny L. Gross and his son, Derral, are pictured at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He is pictured alone in front of “Missouri.” Which was at the World War II Memorial.
Rev. Witherspoon and Washington Memorial A.M.E. Zion members are thankful for his service.
