Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Staff Sergeant Bobby Louis Johnson (ASN: US-67152899), United States Army, for meritorious service in connection with military operations against an opposing force while serving as a Prisoner of War in the Republic of Vietnam and Cambodia from 25 August 1968 to 12 February 1973. During this period, Sergeant Johnson performed duties in such a manner as to maintain good order and discipline. Captured in the jungles of the Republic of Vietnam, he endured periods of interrogation, starvation, inadequate or non-existent medical care, and was provided totally inadequate shelter. Because of the frustration and hatred built up in his mind over the long years and the constant harassment of the Vietnamese, many difficult situations arose which required perseverance, endurance, and ingenuity. With calm tenacious effort, he overcame those obstacles and never wavered in loyalty to his country. Throughout this period, he exhibited outstanding professional skill, knowledge, and leadership, while suffering physical pain and mental stress. His behavior and performance as a Prisoner of War in the face of an armed enemy clearly marked him as an exceptional soldier and American. His resistance to enemy pressure was often accomplished at grave risk of personal bodily harm. Sergeant Johnson’s courage, aggressiveness, and leadership by example were in the highest traditions of military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the military service and the United States of America.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    August 25, 1968 – February 12, 1973

    Staff Sergeant Bobby Louis Johnson (ASN: US-67152899), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from August 25, 1968 until his release on February 12, 1973.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Cambodia)

    Action Date:

    May 30 – June 20, 1972

    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 Staff Sergeant Bobby Louis Johnson (ASN: US-67152899), United States Army, for heroic actions against an enemy force of the United States of America while serving as a Prisoner of War in Cambodia from 30 May 1972 to 20 June 1972. Staff Sergeant Johnson conducted himself in a highly commendable manner during a confrontation between the senior ranking officer of the prison camp, Lieutenant Colonel Schrump, and the prison camp officials and cadre. The senior ranking American officer had been ordered to make bamboo stakes for perimeter security of the prison camp since they would serve as a deterrent to prisoners in any attempt to escape. Refusing to obey this order, the colonel was threatened and punished for many days, and, although suffering from malaria, was refused medical aid. Realizing that their punishment would not change the colonel’s mind, the prison camp officials then refused to give him food or water. At hearing this, though weak and suffering from malnutrition, Staff Sergeant Johnson endangered his well-being by giving the colonel his full support by refusing to eat or drink until the camp cadre gave Colonel Schrump food and water. This condition continued for several days until a final decision was made and Colonel Schrump was returned to his cell, given food and water, and normal camp life was restored. During this period, Staff Sergeant Johnson’s courage, aggressiveness, and leadership by example were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States of America.