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 to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Robert Donald Johnston (ASN: 0-435787), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 81st Fighter Squadron, 50th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations. On 9 April 1945, Lieutenant Colonel Johnston, leading a fighter squadron on an aerial patrol, distinguished himself by outstanding courage and superior airmanship, when, sighting a formation of enemy aircraft, he aggressively closed in upon the enemy. Despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, Lieutenant Colonel Johnston, unhesitatingly and without regard for personal safety, successfully destroyed two aircraft. His aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty were contributing factors in the sustained allied aerial offensive and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.

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 Major (Air Corps) Robert Donald Johnston (ASN: 0-435787), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 81st Fighter Squadron, 50th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. Major Johnston has demonstrated consistently superior leadership, extraordinary courage, and brilliant tactics while leading flights on hazardous escort, patrol, dive-bombing and strafing missions. His extreme aggressiveness in attacking enemy targets coupled with his consistent employment of sound air tactics has resulted in a maximum of destruction to the enemy with a minimum of loss to the squadron. At all times his high personal courage has instilled in the pilots of his squadron an enthusiasm which is reflected in the superior operations record of his organization.