AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  CH-46

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Kenneth Harold Johnson, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165, Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 3 April 1967, Captain Johnson launched as Copilot aboard a CH-46A helicopter in a flight of twelve aircraft on a mission to transport a battalion of Republic of Korea Marines in conjunction with Operation Boone. During three approaches into the landing area, the flight came under heavy enemy fire. On the fourth approach, when the pilot was wounded by hostile fire, he quickly assumed control of the aircraft. Almost simultaneously, an enemy round wounded a Korean Marine in the troop compartment and punctured a tear gas grenade in his pack. Unaware of the origin of the gas and believing his aircraft had detonated a booby trap in the zone, he immediately departed the area for the nearest medical facility. Subsequently, as the inside of the aircraft filled with gas, the crew discovered the grenade and threw it from the helicopter. Although partially blinded from the fumes, Captain Johnson, demonstrating exemplary airmanship, steadfastly continued to maneuver the aircraft to the aid station until the pilot was able to clear his eyes with water and assume control of the helicopter. His professional skill and determined efforts were an inspiration to all who served with him and undoubtedly prevented the loss of his aircraft and injury to his passengers and crew. Captain Johnson’s courage, exceptional aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a gold star in lieu of the second Distinguished Flying Cross to, Captain Kenneth Harold Johnson, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 2 September 1970, Captain Johnson launched as Aircraft Commander of the second aircraft in a flight of four CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the mission of inserting assault elements of a Marine regiment into an area south of Hill 65 in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area, he established an orbit while Cobra gunships attacked newly constructed enemy bunkers in the vicinity of the insertion site. Although his flight encountered intense hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire as it commenced its approach to the landing zone, Captain Johnson resolutely continued his approach, landed, and fearlessly remained in his dangerously exposed position while the assault team aboard his transport disembarked. As his flight lifted out of the hazardous area, the lead aircraft was so severely damaged by enemy fire that it was forced to make an emergency landing nearby. Undaunted by the heavy volume of hostile fire directed at his transport, he boldly followed the crippled transport until it landed and then provided covering fire while his helicopter landed, embarked the downed crew, and safely lifted out of the dangerous area. With complete disregard for his own safety, Captain Johnson, later that morning, returned to the downed aircraft, inserted a recovery crew, and then orbited the area for the twenty minutes required to prepare the transport for hoisting out of the area. Continuing to ignore the sporadic enemy fire, he then extracted the recovery crew and proceeded to the Marble Mountain Air Facility. Captain Johnson's courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great per sonal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.