The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Dennis George Johnson (MCSN: 2406779), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with the Third Platoon of Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 28 March 1969, while on a search and destroy mission east of Dong Ha, Company F came upon an estimated North Vietnamese Army squad well-entrenched in bunkers and spider holes. The first squad, acting as the point, made the initial contact, and when the enemy opened fire, the point man was mortally wounded. Lance Corporal Johnson, quickly assessing the situation, put his fire team on line to establish a base of fire. As another Marine went out to retrieve the casualty, he was also struck down by the enemy fire. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Johnson boldly charging forward to assist his comrades, fired as he ran and ignored the rounds which were impacting all around him until he was mortally wounded. Lance Corporal Johnson’s heroic efforts and bold initiative in the face of extreme personal danger were instrumental in his unit’s successful accomplishment of its mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Johnson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.