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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Marshall Buhl Johnson (ASN: 0-95993), United States Army, for gallantry In action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 13 May 1969. At approximately 0330 hours on the cited date, Fire Support Base AIRBORNE was assaulted from three sides by a North Vietnamese Sapper Battalion which was reinforced by a mortar company. In the initial assault, the perimeter was breached in two places, allowing the enemy sappers access to the main portion of the fire base. This resulted in the disabling of the Infantry Platoon Command Post and also the one hundred five millimeter artillery fire direction control in that area. This made the coordination of the defense of the fire base extremely difficult as the attack progressed. Major Johnson, senior officer on the fire base, voluntarily moved to an unprotected position outside the Battalion Command Post to appraise the situation and to coordinate actions necessary to repel the enemy. In spite of a heavy volume of small arms and mortar fire and numerous satchel charges being thrown by the enemy, he remained in position to control and coordinate the defense of the base. As a direct result of his courageous actions and calm coordination and direction, the enemy force was halted and forced to withdraw. He remained at his position as reinforcements arrived at daylight. He coordinated the utilization of these forces in a reconnaissance in force toward the withdrawing enemy. Results of the action revealed thirty-five North Vietnamese Army casualties, eighteen individual weapons, and over two hundred pounds of unexploded satchel charges on and around the fire base. Major Johnson’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Marshall Buhl Johnson (ASN: 0-95993), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam, on 13 July 1969. Major Johnson distinguished himself while serving as S-3 in the 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). At approximately 1500 hours on the cited date, Major Johnson was attempted to land at an Army of the Republic of Vietnam secured landing zone near the Laotian border, which had been in heavy contact for several days. Just before the aircraft touched down, the enemy opened fire with recoilless rifle, small arms, and automatic weapons fire. The first round hit the left side of the aircraft, seriously wounding the pilot and several others in the aircraft. Despite the close proximity of the impacting shells, Major Johnson helped extract the wounded personnel from the aircraft and assisted in carrying the seriously wounded pilot approximately seventy-five meters into a woodline. At the risk of his own life, he returned to the aircraft with rounds impacting close by and attempted to shut off the engine. After insuring that the casualties were safe in foxholes in the area, he moved through the wooded area amidst the exploding rounds, secured a radio, and began directing artillery fire on the enemy positions. He also helped to coordinate the aerial rocket artillery strikes against the insurgents. With the task completed, he stayed on the radio and directed the evacuation of the wounded personnel. Major Johnson’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.