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 James H. 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, Americal Division. Specialist Four Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 March 1969 while serving as medical aidman during a combat sweep operation near Tap An Bac. As his company entered a thickly vegetated area, heavy fire erupted from a series of hostile positions. Immediately Specialist Johnson began administering medical treatment to the wounded. As the unit moved forward, the communist forces poured intense machine gun fire into the advancing ranks, wounding several including the company commander. Braving the enemy barrage, Specialist Johnson rushed to their aid. He contrived a litter on which the commander was evacuated to an ambulance helicopter. Returning to the area of conflict where enemy grenades were exploding, he continued to minister to casualties, bandaging wounds, treating for shock and aiding in the evacuation of the seriously wounded. Specialist Four 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.