Dean Raymond Johnson, United States Army: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion, 12th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Private First Class Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 April 1969 as a perimeter guard at his company’s night defensive position in Hau Nhgia Province. While he was manning a listening post fifty meters outside the perimeter, an estimated company of North Vietnamese and Viet cong assaulted under the cover of mortar, rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. Ordered to pull back, Private Johnson made his way to within ten meters of the perimeter and then turned to place heavy suppressive fire on the aggressors. After temporarily halting their advance, he crossed the defensive wire and continued to combat the foe. When a strategic section of the perimeter was overrun, he moved through the hostile barrage to within ten meters of the communists and engaged the enemy with fragmentation grenades and small arms fire. He held his ground against the determined enemy advance until he was mortally wounded by hostile fire. Private First Class Johnson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Johnson, from Wheaton, MN, was 18 years old when he gave his life for his country. His membership in the Legion of Valor was supported by Pete Cullen.