The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant (ChC) Raymond Wendell Johnson (NSN: 0-706383/0-71578), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Flotilla Chaplain for River Assault Flotilla ONE, in the Republic of Vietnam, from January 1967 to December 1967. Lieutenant Johnson served as Flotilla Chaplain on the staff of Commander River Assault Flotilla ONE/Commander River Support Squadron SEVEN. From the day Lieutenant Johnson reported to COMRIVFLOT ONE, he made his presence felt by meeting and remaining in close contact with all the Flotilla personnel. He continually traveled from one unit to another talking with the men and offering words of encouragement and sound advice. It was immediately evident that he was always available to provide counseling on any matter. He began conducting weekly services scheduled in such a manner that everyone who desired could attend. He soon knew nearly all of the Flotilla personnel and most of the Army personnel by name. Lieutenant Johnson selflessly devoted his time and efforts to serving the personnel of the Navy and Army. So great was Lieutenant Johnson’s concern for the welfare of the fighting man in Vietnam and for the relief of all human suffering that he extended his efforts beyond the normal limits of the Command. During the first three months of his tour, he voluntarily served River Squadron FIVE personnel at My Tho, Vinh Long, and Can Tho in addition to his regular Flotilla assignment. In doing so he was involved in two PBR ambushes. On another occasion he narrowly escaped from a helicopter crash while aiding in evacuating Vietnamese women and children from a besieged hamlet. Lieutenant Johnson believed that his responsibilities also included the physical welfare of the men he served, as well as their spiritual and moral well-being. He made maximum use of his medical training by serving in 15 Medical Care Programs in rural Vietnamese hamlets. He served medically in addition to his capacity as Chaplain on every major operation conducted by the Flotilla. His efforts were directly instrumental in saving the lives of seriously wounded Navy and Army personnel on three occasions. He was twice wounded and repeatedly exposed himself to obvious physical danger in combat operations. He was embarked in five different boats that were hit with recoilless rifle or rocket fire. He survived a C-123 crash while returning from one of his many weekly trips to visit wounded in various hospitals. He made a total of 172 helicopter flights in the service of the Flotilla, Army, and the Vietnamese people. Lieutenant Johnson’s selfless devotion to duty, disregard for his personal safety and service above and beyond the call of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. [Lieutenant Johnson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.]