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 Deverl Harmon Johnson (AFSN: 0-3139064), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller in Southeast Asia on 3 September 1968. On that date, Captain Johnson flew his unarmed O-2A aircraft over hostile territory in an effort to silence hostile artillery positions which were bombarding friendly positions south of the Demilitarized Zone. In spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire, he skillfully directed the destruction of two large caliber artillery pieces and several bunkers. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GA-1019 (July 23, 1974)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 Captain Deverl Harmon Johnson (AFSN: 0-3139064), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Aircraft Commander in Cambodia on 20 June 1972. On that date, Captain Johnson’s exemplary knowledge and outstanding airmanship, displayed under extremely hazardous conditions, culminated in highly successful saturation bombing of an opposing force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Special Orders GB-0394 (March 28, 1973)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Deverl Harmon Johnson (AFSN: 0-3139064), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 21 December 1972. On that date, Captain Johnson’s aircraft was hit by a surface-to-air missile while participating in a long range retaliatory strike penetrating the most sophisticated and complex defenses in North Vietnam. Despite being wounded and flying a rapidly deteriorating aircraft, with complete loss of power, his extraordinary skill, courage and airmanship enabled him to glide the aircraft away from a densely populated hostile territory to an area where, after bailing out, he and four of his crewmembers were rescued by friendly forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Johnson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.