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 Lieutenant Colonel Edwin W. Johnson, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on 21 July 1970. On that date, Colonel Johnson flew an extremely hazardous, unarmed reconnaissance mission through one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia. Despite intense hostile ground fire, he maneuvered his aircraft to fly directly over all objectives and obtained outstanding photography of high interest sites and several anti-aircraft positions. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.