Richard is listed upon the War Department's Honor Roll for Colorado, and in the 10th Mountain Division's newspaper The Blizzard. The Steamboat Pilot of May 17, 1945 states that Pfc. Richard D. Johnston was from Kremmling, that he was killed in action in Italy on April 14, 1945, that he was 22 years old, and that his wife was Pauline McLean Johnston.

His listing at Arlington National Cemetery indicates he was born April 9, 1923 in Weld County, and died at Castel d'Aiano, Italy.

Additional information located:

Richard was born in Weld County Colorado, raised in Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado. Eldest son of Alva Johnston Law and Harry W. Johnston, Sr., Step-son of Harold Law, Brother of Harry Wesley Johnston, Jr. (US Navy, Find a Grave #847773), Husband of Alice Pauline "Polly" McLean Johnston McLaren, father of Sharon Lynn Johnston and Sandra "Sandy" Noreen Johnston, and grandfather of Melanie Schwab.

He loved to play the Trumpet and ski. He initially joined the US Army Air Corps and loved to fly but was denied a solo pilot's license due to his being color blind. He then joined the 10th Mountain Division of the Army and trained in Camp Hale, CO.

He was killed in action during WWII On Mount Della Spe near Castel d'Aiano, Italy serving with the US Army 10th Mountain Division, 87th Regiment, A company. He was shot in the chest while attempting to deliver a vital message to another company commander during a period of radio interference. Mortally wounded, he got to his feet, continued to run approximately 300 yards to deliver the message and collapsed and died at the commander's feet. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver star. He never got to see his youngest daughter, Sandy, in person - only in a picture.