For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol Leader with Company E, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. During the evening of 17 May 1969, a six man reconnaissance team from Company E was operating four miles southwest of Khe Sanh. Alertly observing enemy activity nearby, Corporal Johnson quickly established his men in a defensive perimeter. When an enemy approached to within a few meters of his position, he fearlessly stood up and, firing his M-16 rifle, killed the hostile soldier. Suddenly, the team came under a heavy volume of hand grenades and small arms fire from a numerically superior enemy force, mortally wounding three Marines. Although seriously wounded in the face and neck, and suffering from a broken collar bone, Corporal Johnson propped himself up and, accurately firing at the enemy, killed another hostile soldier. Throughout the interminable fire fight, he continuously encouraged his comrades and skillfully directed their suppressive fire upon the North Vietnamese Army force until a helicopter arrived and extracted his team. His bold initiative and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the numerous casualties inflicted upon the enemy. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Johnson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.