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John Johnson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1956. He retired in 1982 as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Military Assistance Command, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    May 16 – June 8, 1972

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, MACV Support Command General Orders No. 1927 (August 19, 1972)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Carl Johnson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 21st DCAT, Advisory Team 51, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 16 May to 8 June 1972 while serving as Senior Advisor, 15th Regiment, attached to the 21st Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The 15th Regiment, which was on a mission to relieve the siege on An Loc, was the most forward element of the division and was subjected to intense artillery, mortar, rocket, automatic and small arms fire. Colonel Johnson accompanied the regiment in its insertion north of Tan Khai and assumed a vital role in the functioning of the regiment in its critical mission. He, without regard for his own personal safety, repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to actively advise his counterpart to direct air strikes, was instrumental in the success attained by the regiment in the destruction of enemy tanks, also rallying and leading the regiment in several counterattacks. On 25 May 1972 he heroically recovered and administered first aid, under fire, to one of his battalion advisors. From 25 May to 8 June 1972 he was the only U.S. Advisor with the 15th Regiment. He served literally 24 hours a day, both in maintenance of communications with the division and the adjacent units. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Military Assistance Command, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    1971 – 1972

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Carl Johnson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving with the 21st DCAT Advisory Team 51, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, in action against the enemy in 1971 and 1972. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.