The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Gary Lee Johnson (ASN: RA-505663434), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Specialist Fourth Class Johnson distinguished himself on 18 June 1971, while serving on a search and clear mission in the Long Khanh Province of the Republic of Vietnam. During this time, his platoon came across approximately seven enemy bunkers and was fired upon by B-40 rockets and small arms fire. Specialist Fourth Class Johnson, realizing the danger to his fellow soldiers, moved close to the enemy bunkers from which his platoon was receiving the heaviest fire, and began returning suppressive fire on the enemy. He was able to suppress the enemy fire long enough for the remainder of his platoon to remove the wounded to a more secure area. It was during this courageous action that Specialist Fourth Class Johnson was killed. As a result of his bravery, his platoon was saved from additional casualties. Specialist Fourth Class Johnson’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.