The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Armor) Billy Ray Johnson, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Billy R. Johnson distinguished himself on 31 May 1971 while serving as pilot of a light observation helicopter on a scout mission over an area near Suong, Cambodia. On that date he flew over an area of rice paddies in order to begin visual reconnaissance. His aircraft immediately came under intense enemy machine gun fire at nearly pint blank range. Although the craft was hit and caught fire, Captain Johnson managed to communicate with another U.S. aircraft which was providing gun coverage from above and directed their fire into the enemy machine gun position. He then attempted to the burning craft out of the enemy area but the flames became so intense that he was forced to land. Captain Johnson landed into an area where the command and control aircraft was able to evacuate him and his crew immediately. His ability to remain calm and his outstanding airmanship were directly responsible for saving two lives and locating prominent enemy positions later engaged by airstrikes. Captain Johnson’s outstanding flying ability 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.