William D. Johnson, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William D. Johnson, Jr. (0-92676), Captain (Artillery), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Captain Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 July 1964 while serving as Special Forces Senior Advisor to a Vietnamese Civilian Irregular Defense Group Strike Force at Camp Poleikrong, in the Republic of Vietnam. At 0150 hours on 4 July 1964, Camp Poleikrong was attacked by a hostile contingent composed of approximately seven hundred armed insurgents. During the initial assault, mortar fire registered direct hits on the Special forces team billet, supply room, and mortar positions. Notwithstanding the concentrated small arms fire, Captain Johnson, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, repeatedly exposed and silhouetted himself against the flaming buildings to direct the defense and organize a perimeter to thwart the advancing insurgent force to save the camp and its personnel from complete annihilation. At one point during the raging battle, he single-handedly disrupted and disorganized an advancing Viet Cong platoon, inflicting overwhelming casualties by stunning them with rifle grenades and firing deadly point-blank automatic rifle fire into the surging mass. By his dynamic personal example, intrepid devotion to duty, and issuance of timely advice and orders, Captain Johnson inspired his hard-pressed force to repulse the attacking insurgents, despite their initial tactical advantage and manpower superiority, and insured the safety of friendly wounded personnel. Captain 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.
Headquarters, US Army, Pacific, General Orders No. 67 (1965)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to William D. Johnson, Jr. (2357895), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on July 3, 1968. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Johnson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.