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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ronnie Johnson (ASN: 0-5268254), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 17 November 1969, while serving as Platoon Leader in Company B, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. When the first platoon came under fire from an unknown size enemy force firing from a well fortified bunker complex, during the initial burst of fire, six men were killed and several others were wounded. First Lieutenant Johnson immediately moved his men into support positions and with disregard for his safety, moved into the kill zone and laid down suppressive fire until all the wounded could be removed to a safer area. In doing this, he knocked out several of the enemy positions then systematically withdrew the remaining members of his platoon while continuing to place effective suppressive fire on the enemy locations. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.