The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman William D. Johnson (NSN: 9034183), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam, on 21 March 1966. When Companies E and F were subjected to intense insurgent communist (Viet Cong) automatic-weapons and small-arms fire in violent action near Phuong Dinh village in Quang Ngai Province during Operation TEXAS, Hospitalman Johnson, observing eight Marines fall from enemy-inflicted wounds, unhesitatingly braved the withering fire and advanced by leaps and bounds to the first wounded Marine to administer first aid. Disregarding his own safety, he continued to move among the casualties, tending their wounds and assisting in their evacuation. Through his determined efforts, he alleviated the suffering of the wounded and undoubtedly saved the lives of several. By his courageous action, bold initiative and uncommon concern for the welfare of others at great risk of his own safety, Hospitalman Johnson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.