bobdina
11-30-2009, 01:45 PM
*
Donald Ray Johnston
* Date of birth: 19 Nov. 1947
* Place of birth: Columbus, Ga.
* Home of record: Columbus, Ga.
*
Awards and Citations
1.
Medal of Honor
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 21 March 1969. Specialist Fourth Class Johnston distinguished himself while serving as a Mortarman with Company D, at a fire support base in Tay Ninh Province. Specialist Fourth Class Johnston's company was in defensive positions when it came under a devastating rocket and mortar attack. Under cover of the bombardment, enemy sappers broke through the defensive perimeter and began hurling explosive charges into the main defensive bunkers. Specialist Fourth Class Johnston and six of his comrades had moved from their exposed positions to one of the bunkers to continue their fight against the enemy attackers. As they were firing from the bunker, an enemy soldier threw three explosive charges into their position. Sensing the danger to his comrades, Specialist Fourth Class Johnston, with complete disregard for his safety, hurled himself onto the explosive charges, smothering the detonations with his body and shielding his fellow soldiers from the blast. His heroic action saved the lives of six of his comrades. Specialist Fourth Class Johnston's concern for his fellow men at the cost of his life were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Donald Ray Johnston
Service: Army
General Orders No. 11, March 9, 1971
Donald Ray Johnston
* Date of birth: 19 Nov. 1947
* Place of birth: Columbus, Ga.
* Home of record: Columbus, Ga.
*
Awards and Citations
1.
Medal of Honor
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 21 March 1969. Specialist Fourth Class Johnston distinguished himself while serving as a Mortarman with Company D, at a fire support base in Tay Ninh Province. Specialist Fourth Class Johnston's company was in defensive positions when it came under a devastating rocket and mortar attack. Under cover of the bombardment, enemy sappers broke through the defensive perimeter and began hurling explosive charges into the main defensive bunkers. Specialist Fourth Class Johnston and six of his comrades had moved from their exposed positions to one of the bunkers to continue their fight against the enemy attackers. As they were firing from the bunker, an enemy soldier threw three explosive charges into their position. Sensing the danger to his comrades, Specialist Fourth Class Johnston, with complete disregard for his safety, hurled himself onto the explosive charges, smothering the detonations with his body and shielding his fellow soldiers from the blast. His heroic action saved the lives of six of his comrades. Specialist Fourth Class Johnston's concern for his fellow men at the cost of his life were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Donald Ray Johnston
Service: Army
General Orders No. 11, March 9, 1971