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View Full Version : U.S. John Johnson, Distinguished Service Cross ,Vietnam



bobdina
10-15-2009, 10:30 PM
Distinguished Service Cross

The DSC is our Nation's second highest award for military valor, behind only the Medal of Honor. The Distinguished Service Cross was established in 1918 to honor heroism of the highest degree that did not quite merit the Medal of Honor. The Navy Cross (Navy, Marines & Coast Guard) and the Air Force Cross all join the DSC as our Nation's second highest military award.



John Johnson

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Awards and Citations

1.
Distinguished Service Cross

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Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John C. Johnson, United States 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 Tan 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.

Service: Army

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, MACV Support Command General Orders No. 1927 (August 19, 1972)