AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  AC-130

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Airman First Class Leonard S. Johnson, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 gunship Aerial Gunner and Weapons Technician over Southeast Asia, on 15 May 1969. On that date, while working in total darkness in the rear of the aircraft, Airman Johnson cleared gun malfunctions and performed other duties necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the gunship's weapons systems. His outstanding performance contributed directly to the success of this mission and resulted in the destruction of 12 vehicles, the damaging of 4 others, the creation of 13 secondary explosions, and the ignition of 11 sustained fires. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Airman Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.