AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  RF-4C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Edwin W. Johnson for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander over hostile territory on 13 March 1970. On that date, Colonel Johnson's professional skill and airmanship were paramount in obtaining vital intelligence of hostile military order of battle and logistics activity. To successfully accomplish his mission, Colonel Johnson penetrated an extremely sophisticated and efficient air defense network to photograph hostile activities. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Edwin W. Johnson for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander over Southeast Asia on 28 March 1970. On that date, Colonel Johnson successfully completed a crucially important reconnaissance mission in one of the most heavily defended areas of Southeast Asia. Colonel Johnson deliberately exposed himself twice to an intense barrage of anti-aircraft artillery fire to obtain vital photography of a high-level- interest target. His courage, skill, and disregard for personal safety were paramount in obtaining the assigned military objectives. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Edwin W. Johnson for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander over North Vietnam on 21 July 1970. On that date, Colonel Johnson flew an extremely hazardous, unarmed reconnaissance mission through one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia. Despite intense hostile ground fire, he maneuvered his aircraft to fly directly over all objectives and obtained outstanding photography of high-interest sites and several anti-aircraft positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.