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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Robert A. Johnson, Warrant Officer, W1, United States Army, 571st Medical Detachment, 61st Medical Battalion, 67th Medical Group, United States Army Medical Command, Vietnam (Provisional), for action dated 20 and 21 May 1970 for heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam: Warrant Officer W1 Johnson distinguished himself while commanding a helicopter ambulance during rescue operations in the Hiep Duc Valley. Responding to an urgent request to evacuate American soldiers wounded in combat with a large hostile force, Warrant Officer Johnson and his crew sped to the embattled area. Although receiving intense enemy fire, Mister Johnson landed his helicopter in the pickup zone and evacuated the wounded personnel. Then, returning to the evacuation site, Warrant Officer Johnson descended his air ambulance amid the enemy fusillade and remained on station until all casualties were safely aboard. After refueling at Hawk Hill Aid Station, he again departed to the contact area and extracted six injured ground troops while under constant enemy mortar barrages. The following morning, Mister Jonson encountered a thick cloud layer which made the rescue attempt extremely hazardous due to the aircraft’s vulnerability to enemy sniper fire when flying below the clouds. Undaunted, Warrant Officer Johnson skillfully flew his airship into the landing zone and successfully secured the remaining casualties. Warrant Officer W1 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.