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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) James H. Johnson (ASN: 0-61923), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Lieutenant Colonel Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 and 31 January 1968 as commander of an airborne infantry battalion on a combat mission near Tuy Hoa. During the early morning hours of 30 January, his unit was called to aid an artillery battery which had been overrun by a North Vietnamese Army force. After making an estimate of the situation, Colonel Johnson committed a company size reaction force to counterattack the enemy and quickly established his forward command post at the battery’s perimeter. Repeatedly exposing himself to savage hostile automatic weapons, mortar and small arms fire, he skillfully directed his troops’ assault which forced the North Vietnamese to withdraw to a nearby village. Colonel Johnson led his company in pursuit of the enemy, set up a second command post on high ground overlooking the hamlet and determined that the North Vietnamese were occupying previously constructed fortified positions. Continuing to brave intense hostile fire, he moved forward with his assault element and, upon meeting stiff resistance from the dug-in enemy force, decided to employ a riot control agent. Colonel Johnson then personally led his troops through a withering hail of bullets into the village. Carrying his radio on his back, he moved throughout the battle area, encouraging and inspiring his men’s fierce fight. When it became apparent that his company was combating an entire North Vietnamese Army battalion, Colonel Johnson ordered his troops to pull back, boarded his command and control helicopter and, from the air directed devastating artillery and air strikes on the enemy. He then landed and heedless of relentless hostile fire, maneuvered another element of his unit into positions surrounding the village, blocking the enemy’s escape routes. Throughout the night, Colonel Johnson adjusted the artillery, mortar and gunship fire on the enemy fortifications, and the following morning accompanied his infantrymen in a final assault against them. His gallant and exemplary leadership in close combat was responsible for an overwhelming victory over the numerically superior North Vietnamese. 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    4th Battalion (Airborne)

    Regiment:

    503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate)

    Action Date:

    November 6 & 7, 1967
    Headquarters, I Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 61 (January 31, 1968)

    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) James H. Johnson (ASN: 0-61923), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Lieutenant Colonel Johnson distinguished himself on 6 and 7 November 1967, while serving as Battalion Commander of 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) on a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam. At 1300 hours, Company D made heavy contact with a large North Vietnamese force. Colonel Johnson was airborne at the time and immediately moved to the vicinity of the contact. Colonel Johnson, in an effort to find the exact location of the enemy and with complete disregard for his personal safety, directed that his aircraft fly low level passes over the suspected enemy locations. All during this action he kept his aircraft in the vicinity of Company D to give guidance to his subordinates, to maintain close visual surveillance and make close coordination with higher headquarters. While doing this, he called in artillery in critical areas and directed air strikes. At approximately 1500 hours, Company B made heavy contact while making a heliborne assault on Hill 823. Colonel Johnson’s attention was now directed to two major battles simultaneously. At 1530 hours, he was informed that Company B had many troopers seriously wounded. Without hesitation and while under fire, he had his helicopter land in an unsecured landing zone to extract the seriously wounded. Less than 100 meters away, there was a heavy contact taking place; however, if he had not chosen to land, some of the wounded would have certainly died. The outcome of Hill 823 remained in doubt for two days. Colonel Johnson made many trips to Hill 823 to inspect the positions, evaluate the terrain and give guidance to his subordinates. During this time, he came under fire several times and his aircraft was actually hit. Because of their confidence in his judgment, not one individual left his assigned post. Colonel Johnson’s outstanding example of leadership, extraordinary personal gallantry, devotion to duty and aggressiveness were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.