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 Captain Kenneth Richard Johnson (AFSN: FR-62638), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-100 Pilot of the 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia, on 7 August 1967. On that date, Captain Johnson was scrambled from the alert pad at 0235 hours and 0515 hours in support of Dong Le Chan Special Forces Camp which was under heavy attack by an unknown number of hostile forces. The flare ship had to remain above the low overcast, so, it was necessary for Captain Johnson to use the fires burning in the camp and the hostile muzzle flashes as references. Captain Johnson delivered his bomb, napalm, and 20-mm. against the hostile gun positions and along the wall of the camp perimeter in extremely close proximity to friendly forces. During the two missions, Captain Johnson made nine low-level passes at extremely low altitude against intense hostile fire and friendly cross-fire while delivering his ordnance with precision accuracy. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Johnson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 19, 1971 – March 14, 1973
Major Kenneth Richard Johnson (AFSN: FR-62638), United States Air Force, was held as a from December 19, 1971 until his death on March 14, 1973.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
510th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Bien Hoa Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
December 19, 1971
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Kenneth Richard Johnson (AFSN: FR-62638), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an Aircraft Commander of an F-100 Fighter Aircraft of the 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, in action on 19 December 1971. On that date, Major Johnson participated as the air defense cover for a highly sensitive mission over extremely hostile territory. Despite the fact that his wingman was unable to provide him protection, Major Johnson elected to enter the hostile environment to complete the mission. Due to his unwavering courage and professionalism, the highly important mission was accomplished successfully. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Johnson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1971 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Kenneth Richard Johnson (AFSN: FR-62638), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement as a Prisoner of War while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam during the period December 1971 to March 1973. In an atmosphere of enemy harassment and brutal treatment, he continued to establish and maintain communications through unusual and ingenious methods, which resulted in American and Allied prisoners presenting a posture of increased resistance to the enemy’s wishes, and, at the same time, improving prisoner morale. By his heroic endeavors and devotion to duty under adverse conditions of his environment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1971 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Kenneth Richard Johnson (AFSN: FR-62638), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1971 to March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
510th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Bien Hoa Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
January 2, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1874 (October 30, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Kenneth Richard Johnson (AFSN: FR-62638), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Pilot of the 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 2 January 1967. On that date, Captain Johnson was diverted from his planned airstrike to support elements of the 173d Airborne Brigade which had come under heavy Viet Cong fire during helicopter troop extractions. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Johnson made several highly vulnerable low level bomb passes upon the hostile forces, in close proximity to the friendly forces who were under heavy fire. So devastating and accurate was Captain Johnson’s ordnance delivery that all ground fire was suppressed, and the friendly forces were able to complete the extraction of all personnel without sustaining a single casualty. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.