David Johnston May 17th, 1980 - Mount St. Helens

"Vancouver, Vancouver, this is it!"

AP Photo/USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory, Harry GlickenIn this May 17, 1980 photo, 30-year old vulcanologist David Johnston is shown in the evening at his camp near what is now known as Johnston Ridge near Mount St. Helens. At 8:32 a.m. the next morning, Johnston radioed a message to the USGS headquarters: "Vancouver, Vancouver, this is it!", shortly before he was killed by the massive eruption of the volcano and the force of the 200-mile-per-hour blast of heat and gas that blew out of the side of the mountain. His body was never found.

On May 17, 1997, "Johnston Ridge Observatory of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument" was dedicated to David Johnston. A meticulous and talented scientist, his enthusiasm and positive attitude, made him liked and respected by many of his co-workers. After his death, other scientists lauded his character both verbally and in dedications and letters. Johnston felt that scientists must do what is necessary, including taking risks, to help protect the public from natural disasters. 

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