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 Specialist Fourth Class Larry Johnson (ASN: US-67193481), 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 Company A, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 January 1969 as acting platoon sergeant on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Ben Tre, Kien Hoa Province. While his company was being inserted into a landing zone it came under intense enemy fire and sustained several casualties. Realizing that the hostile fire would have to be suppressed before his stricken comrades could be evacuated, Specialist Johnson quickly organized his troops and led them through the fusillade toward the communist’s bunkers. Despite being wounded by enemy fire, he skillfully brought his element across an open area and into a canal, maneuvering to within ten meters of the fortifications before he and his men were pinned down by a crossfire. Courageously exposing himself to the barrage, he then left the dike and single-handedly assaulted a bunker, firing his rifle and throwing hand grenades. Wounded and driven back, he made a second attempt, only to be wounded again. Although unable to use his right arm and in great pain, he charged through the crossfire and, after being hit a fourth time, succeeded in destroying the bunker with hand grenades. As he was beginning to assault a second bunker, he lost consciousness due to his wounds. Sergeant 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.