AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  A-6

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major William Alston Johnson United States Marine Corps for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 533, Marine Aircraft Group Twelve, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy. On 26 May 1968, Major Johnson launched as Aircraft Commander aboard an A-6 Intruder aircraft assigned a night interdiction mission over an assigned area in North Vietnam. Arriving in the designated area and skillfully employing his aircraft's complex radar equipment, he quickly located and attacked a moving target, causing a large fire. Fully aware that his aircraft had been detected by enemy radar and might receive accurate antiaircraft fire at any moment, Major Johnson continued to search for targets of opportunity locating and attacking a truck convoy moving along a supply route. As he executed a final pass over the area, he sighted and prepared to bomb the D-55 Ferry Complex, a heavily defended supply point on the Kien Giang River. Although his Intruder came under intense fire of all calibers, Major Johnson unhesitatingly attacked the target and, utilizing information provided by his bombardier/navigator. delivered all ordnance with devastating effectiveness, destroying two antiaircraft weapon and causing two secondary explosions and a fire. Then, skillfully evading detection by enemy surface-to-air missile radar sites, he departed the hazardous area and returned to the Chu Lai Air Base. Major Johnson’s courage, exceptional aeronautical skill and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of the mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.