AWARDED DFC: 3
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  UH-1C

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Billy R. Johnson, First Lieutenant, Infantry, United States Army, Troop B, 1 st Squadron, 9 th Cavalry, for heroism and gallantry while participating in aerial flight. First Lieutenant Johnson distinguished himself by heroism in action on 2 October 1967, while serving as an aircraft commander of a UH-1C helicopter during a screening mission near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam. While flying his aircraft in support of an embattled infantry unit, Lieutenant Johnson's aircraft came under intense hostile ground fire. Disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant Johnson made several low level machine gun passes over the hostile positions. Continually exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire, Lieutenant Johnson informed the ground commander of the movements of the hostile force. His quick action inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy force and contributed greatly to the successful completion of the ground unit's mission. Lieutenant Johnson's display of personal bravery and outstanding flying ability is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (First Oak Leaf Cluster) to Billy R. Johnson, First Lieutenant, Infantry, United States Army, 11 th General Support Aviation Company, 11 th Aviation Group, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 20 February 1968, while serving as ? of an armed OH-6A helicopter, during an operation near the city of Hue, Republic of Vietnam. While flying a priority mission between Camp Evans and Hue, Republic of Vietnam, Lieutenant Johnson encountered extremely poor weather conditions which made it necessary to fly low over enemy territory. Although receiving intense enemy fire, in many many areas he unhesitatingly completed the mission. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

3.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) to Billy R. Johnson, Captain, Armor, United States Army, Air Cavalry Troop, 11 th Armored Cavalry Regiment, for heroism, while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty 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 point 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 fly the burning aircraft 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 craft 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 are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.