Compiled and Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2201 (June 23, 1969)
  

Johnson, James H.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James H. Johnson, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, Americal Division. Specialist Four Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 March 1969 while serving as medical aidman during a combat sweep operation near Tap An Bac. As his company entered a thickly vegetated area, heavy fire erupted from a series of hostile positions. Immediately Specialist Johnson began administering medical treatment to the wounded. As the unit moved forward, the communist forces poured intense machine gun fire into the advancing ranks, wounding several including the company commander. Braving the enemy barrage, Specialist Johnson rushed to their aid. He contrived a litter on which the commander was evacuated to an ambulance helicopter. Returning to the area of conflict where enemy grenades were exploding, he continued to minister to casualties, bandaging wounds, treating for shock and aiding in the evacuation of the seriously wounded. Specialist Four Johnson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2709 (July 17, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James H. Johnson, Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Lieutenant Colonel Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 and 31 January 1968 as commander of an airborne infantry battalion on a combat mission near Tuy Hoa. During the early morning hours of 30 January, his unit was called to aid an artillery battery which had been overrun by a North Vietnamese Army force. After making an estimate of the situation, Colonel Johnson committed a company size reaction force to counterattack the enemy and quickly established his forward command post at the battery's perimeter. Repeatedly exposing himself to savage hostile automatic weapons, mortar and small arms fire, he skillfully directed his troops' assault which forced the North Vietnamese to withdraw to a nearby village. Colonel Johnson led his company in pursuit of the enemy, set up a second command post on high ground overlooking the hamlet and determined that the North Vietnamese were occupying previously constructed fortified positions. Continuing to brave intense hostile fire, he moved forward with his assault element and, upon meeting stiff resistance from the dug-in enemy force, decided to employ a riot control agent. Colonel Johnson then personally led his troops through a withering hail of bullets into the village. Carrying his radio on his back, he moved throughout the battle area, encouraging and inspiring his men's fierce fight. When it became apparent that his company was combating an entire North Vietnamese Army battalion, Colonel Johnson ordered his troops to pull back, boarded his command and control helicopter and, from the air directed devastating artillery and air strikes on the enemy. He then landed and heedless of relentless hostile fire, maneuvered another element of his unit into positions surrounding the village, blocking the enemy's escape routes. Throughout the night, Colonel Johnson adjusted the artillery, mortar and gunship fire on the enemy fortifications, and the following morning accompanied his infantrymen in a final assault against them. His gallant and exemplary leadership in close combat was responsible for an overwhelming victory over the numerically superior North Vietnamese. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 2247 (May 14, 1968)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Jesse L. Johnson, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Captain Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 23 and 24 July 1968 while commanding an infantry company during a reconnaissance-in-force operation in Long An Province. His company was lifted by helicopter to join in a fierce fire fight with an estimated Viet Cong battalion. Captain Johnson asked to be inserted at the point of heaviest contact, and ran a hundred meters through intense machine gun fire to reach his lead element. Rallying his men, he led them in an assault against an enemy bunker complex which destroyed three bunkers, killed eight communists, and forced the remaining Viet Cong in the area to flee. By continuing to press the enemy, he freed other elements which had been pinned down by hostile fire. As darkness fell Captain Johnson's company was inserted into a new area. After directing the landing of a sister company under constant fire and moving three hundred meters across fire-swept rice paddies to assist in the deployment of its men, he organized a rescue party to aid a downed helicopter crew. Leading his small group through intense infested territory, he successfully evacuated the dead and wounded from the craft. Later that night, Captain Johnson directed movement on the edge of his company's perimeter. Advancing alone, he encountered three armed Viet Cong whom he slew in a brief fire fight. Seeing an enemy platoon forming for an assault on his position, he called in artillery which forced the aggressors back, but also wounded him. Refusing evacuation, he remained with his company through the night to direct its defense and insure the safety of his men. At daybreak he led his troops against the entrapped enemy force, crushing its resistance. He was then ordered by his battalion commander to leave his unit and receive medical attention. Captain Johnson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4771 (October 14, 1968)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John C. Johnson, Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 21st DCAT, Advisory Team 51, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 16 May to 8 June 1972 while serving as Senior Advisor, 15th Regiment, attached to the 21st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The 15th Regiment, which was on a mission to relieve the siege on An Loc, was the most forward element of the division and was subjected to intense artillery, mortar, rocket, automatic and small arms fire. Colonel Johnson accompanied the regiment in its insertion north of Tn Khai and assumed a vital role in the functioning of the regiment in its critical mission. He, without regard for his own personal safety, repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to actively advise his counterpart to direct air strikes, was instrumental in the success attained by the regiment in the destruction of enemy tanks, also rallying and leading the regiment in several counterattacks. On 25 May 1972 he heroically recovered and administered first aid, under fire, to one of his battalion advisors. From 25 May to 8 June 1972 he was the only U.S. Advisor with the 15th Regiment. He served literally 24 hours a day, both in maintenance of communications with the division and the adjacent units. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, MACV Support Command General Order No. 1927 (August 19, 1972)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Larry Johnson, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 January 1969 as acting platoon sergeant on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Ben Tre, Kien Hoa Province. While his company was being inserted into a landing zone it came under intense enemy fire and sustained several casualties. Realizing that the hostile fire would have to be suppressed before his stricken comrades could be evacuated, Specialist Johnson quickly organized his troops and led them through the fusillade toward the communist's bunkers. Despite being wounded by enemy fire, he skillfully brought his element across an open area and into a canal, maneuvering to within ten meters of the fortifications before he and his men were pinned down by a crossfire. Courageously exposing himself to the barrage, he then left the dike and single-handedly assaulted a bunker, firing his rifle and throwing hand grenades. Wounded and driven back, he made a second attempt, only to be wounded again. Although unable to use his right arm and in great pain, he charged through the crossfire and, after being hit a fourth time, succeeded in destroying the bunker with hand grenades. As he was beginning to assault a second bunker, he lost consciousness due to his wounds. Sergeant Johnson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1617 (May 7, 1969)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Peter Wyeth Johnson, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment B-22, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. First Lieutenant Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 13 February 1968 while serving as senior Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese strike force platoon conducting a search and destroy mission in Binh Dinh Province. The unit was moving across open rice paddies when heavy automatic weapons fire erupted on it from a reinforced North Vietnamese company occupying well-fortified positions in a nearby hamlet. Quickly withdrawing his troops from the savage fusillade, Lieutenant Johnson directed accurate artillery and air strikes on the enemy positions. As the bombardment lifted, he rallied his men and led a fierce assault on the hamlet. An intense hail of bullets raked the exposed platoon, and Lieutenant Johnson withdrew his men and again requested artillery and air support. He then reorganized his troops and fearlessly led a second assault through a curtain of hostile fire. While shouting encouragement and gallantly charging the fortified North Vietnamese bunkers, Lieutenant Johnson was hit by enemy fire and instantly killed. His determined and courageous leadership in close combat inspired his fellow soldiers to overrun and capture their objective. First Lieutenant Johnson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 981 (March 4, 1968)
  

Johnson, Richard H.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Richard H. Johnson, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Colonel Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 3 to 17 November 1967 as commanding officer of an infantry brigade during its critical battle for Dak To. Repeatedly placing his life in extreme jeopardy, he conducted aerial reconnaissance under fire and maintained personal contact with elements of his brigade which were locked in fierce combat with numerically superior North Vietnamese forces. Undeterred by ravaging enemy fire, Colonel Johnson constantly remained with his men, directing, coordinating and encouraging their efforts. During the assault against a well-entrenched enemy on Hill 1338, he continuously surveyed the tactical situation from the air, bringing his command and control helicopter low over the conflict to obtain the best information possible on the tactical situation and friendly and enemy conditions. On 17 November 1967, when the fighting for the strategic hill reached its peak, he landed amid hostile fire in a hastily prepared landing zone and provided his troops with leadership and inspiration that enabled them to stubbornly press onward, dislodging and routing the enemy from the crest. This stunning victory over great odds demoralized all opposing enemy elements and rallied the morale and spirit of battle-wearied friendly forces. Colonel Johnson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1699 (April 13, 1968)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William D. Johnson, Jr., Captain (Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Captain Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 July 1964 while serving as Special Forces Senior Advisor to a Vietnamese Civilian Irregular Defense Group Strike Force at Camp Poleikrong, in the Republic of Vietnam. At 0150 hours on 4 July 1964, Camp Poleikrong was attacked by a hostile contingent composed of approximately seven hundred armed insurgents. During the initial assault, mortar fire registered direct hits on the Special forces team billet, supply room, and mortar positions. Notwithstanding the concentrated small arms fire, Captain Johnson, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, repeatedly exposed and silhouetted himself against the flaming buildings to direct the defense and organize a perimeter to thwart the advancing insurgent force to save the camp and its personnel from complete annihilation. At one point during the raging battle, he single-handedly disrupted and disorganized an advancing Viet Cong platoon, inflicting overwhelming casualties by stunning them with rifle grenades and firing deadly point-blank automatic rifle fire into the surging mass. By his dynamic personal example, intrepid devotion to duty, and issuance of timely advice and orders, Captain Johnson inspired his hard-pressed force to repulse the attacking insurgents, despite their initial tactical advantage and manpower superiority, and insured the safety of friendly wounded personnel. Captain Johnson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 67 (1965)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John R. Johnston, Jr., First Lieutenant (Armor), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Johnston distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 and 26 August 1966 while commanding an armored cavalry platoon during a search and destroy mission near Lai Khe. When an intense engagement erupted with a large Viet Cong unit, Lieutenant Johnston was ordered to reinforce another cavalry platoon which was vastly outnumbered. After leading his vehicles through the dense rain forest to the besieged unit, he immediately deployed his vehicles to bring maximum fire on the insurgent positions. As Lieutenant Johnston dauntlessly maneuvered the platoon, his armored vehicle was immobilized by two recoilless rifle hits, which wounded several crew members. He quickly administered aid to the casualties and directed their evacuation. Unable to establish communications with the rest of the platoon, he fearlessly ran thorough a hail of bullets and exploding mortar rounds to another armored vehicle. Discovering the radio inoperable, Lieutenant Johnston again ignored the extreme dangers and left the vehicle to direct the defense. Contemptuous of the devastating hostile fire which claimed casualties all around him, he darted among the tracks shouting orders and encouragement. When the enemy briefly broke contact, Lieutenant Johnston organized both platoons into a tenable perimeter. Moving around the area under sporadic sniper fire, he supervised the extraction of the wounded and redistributed supplies. Throughout the eighteen hours, his unimpeachable valor and dynamic leadership inspired his men to resist every hostile attack, finally forcing the insurgents to retreat into the jungle. First Lieutenant Johnston's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1587 (April 8, 1967)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Spencer W. Jonas, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Airborne Division Advisory Detachment, Team 162, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Jonas distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 28 to 31 January 1970 while advising a company of Vietnamese soldiers during combat operations in Tay Ninh Province. While on a search and clear mission, the company made contact with a numerically superior enemy element that forced the allies to assume a defensive position and call for air support. Throughout the first day and night, as the enemy pressure continued, Sergeant Jonas exposed himself to enemy fire to direct and adjust artillery rounds against the onrushing enemy. At times, he directed the supporting fire to within ten metes of his own perimeter. The following day, the sergeant continued to direct numerous air strikes which successfully diverted all attacks. That night, while suffering a critical shortage of ammunition, the company was viciously attacked by the same determined enemy force. Sergeant Jonas remained in an exposed position on his perimeter to operate a strobe light and pinpoint enemy positions for artillery support fire. Although the focal point of enemy fire, he continued this action and again successfully prevented the enemy from overrunning his position. On the third ay, after directing a heavy volume of air strikes, the sergeant directed a helicopter ambulance to his position to evacuate the wounded. Ignoring the intense enemy fire that raked the area, he assisted the wounded aboard the aircraft. Sergeant Jonas continued his determined fight until the fourth day when he was relieved by two allied companies. Sergeant First Class Jonas' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4479 (September 21, 1970)
  

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Dennis Keith Jones, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Jones distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 to 12 May 1968 while serving as forward observer for an infantry company in the Cholon area of Saigon. His unit was engaged in fierce house-to-house fighting, and Specialist Jones repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile fire to call in gunships and direct their strikes by throwing smoke grenades into the midst of enemy locations. On 12 May the first platoon was pinned down by a large Viet Cong force. After calling in artillery and gunships, Specialist Jones led a fire team in an assault against the heavily fortified enemy positions, personally killing two of the communists with rifle fire. Then, to save his team which had become trapped under the intense enemy fusillade, he charged four bunkers and destroyed them with hand grenades. As he was about to throw another grenade, he was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire. His actions enabled his comrades to regroup and overrun the aggressors. Specialist Four Jones' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5036 (October 31, 1968)
  

*Jones, Gary C.

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Gary C. Jones, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 2d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Jones distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 February 1968 as commander of an infantry company conducting a combat mission near Lan Trung. His unit made contact with an estimated battalion of Viet Cong occupying an entrenched and heavily fortified bunker complex in a woodline. Following artillery strikes on the enemy, Lieutenant Jones deployed his troops and led a fierce assault across an open field, which was the only avenue of approach. Nearing the woodline, the company was subjected to withering automatic weapons, small arms and rocket fire from the concealed insurgents. Lieutenant Jones fearlessly exposed himself to the savage fusillade as he directed his men to return fires and move to the sparse protection of a nearby berm. He quickly regrouped his troops, positioned them on line and led a second assault on the Viet Cong. Heedless of a hail of bullets striking all around him, he gallantly pressed the attack. Lieutenant Jones was mortally wounded while shouting words of encouragement and directing devastating fire on the insurgent fortifications. His dauntless and inspiring leadership in close combat contributed immeasurably to the subsequent defeat of the numerically superior enemy force. First Lieutenant Jones' extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.