The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Infantry) William J. Johnson, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 19 April 1968, while serving as an aircraft commander of an armed helicopter during the initial assault into the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. He was assigned the initial mission of recovering downed aircraft and their crews. When a helicopter was downed in enemy controlled terrain, Captain Johnson exposed himself hostile ground fire repeatedly. Later, when an excessive number of aircraft had been shot down, Captain Johnson’s aircraft was committed to carrying troops, where his aircraft was disabled by enemy fire. His gallant actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.