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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Ronald H. Johnson for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot aboard an HC-130P aircraft over hostile territory in Southeast Asia on 2 September 1971. On that date, Lieutenant Johnson coordinated and directed the efforts of five rescue aircraft and numerous strike aircraft in the immediate vicinity of two downed pilots. His superior resourcefulness and positive command and control of the resources engaged in this difficult combat aircrew recovery effort led to the successful rescue of the two pilots from certain capture and possible death at the hands of hostile forces. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.