title: Johan Potgieter
text: # Johan Potgieter
  
  Brigadier Johan Potgieter SM ((1935-05-14)14 May 1935 – (1976-01-04)4 January 1976) was a South African Army officer from the artillery who served as OC School of Artillery, SA Military College, Director Artillery, SA Military Academy and later Orange Free State Command. He was appointed the OC 2 Military Area from late 1975 in Operation Savannah.
  
  ## Army career
  
  He completed the Staff Course at the Staff College, Camberley during 1968 and served as Officer Commanding School of Artillery from 1968 – 1969, SA Army College from 1969 – 1971, Director of Artillery and SA Military Academy during 1973 – 1975. He died after being shot down during Ops Savannah in a Puma helicopter.
  
  ## Awards and decorations
  
  * Southern Cross Medal (1952) (SM)
  * Permanent Force Good Service Medal
  