The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Sergeant Willie Johnson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 5 March 1970 while serving as First Sergeant of Troop F, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while his troop was in a night defensive position it came under attack from a platoon of North Vietnamese soldiers equipped with rocket propelled grenades, small arms and automatic weapons. Sergeant Johnson immediately made his way to the perimeter to prepare for defense. He spotted a team of sappers attempting to penetrate the wire. Waiting until the hostile soldiers were at close range he commenced fire with his rifle and returned to the command post to inform the troop commander of the impending danger to the perimeter. Returning to the scene where he shot the sappers he noticed one of the enemy still moving and immediately eliminated him with rifle fire. Suddenly a rocket propelled grenade exploded near him mortally wounding him instantly. First Sergeant Johnson’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.