First Sergeant JOHNNY LEE WASHINGTON was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in Vietnam during the period 7-11 November 1967. He was then a platoon sergeant with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment. On these dates, the entire Battalion was engaged in fierce fighting with large forces of North Vietnamese Army Regulars in the rugged Central highlands of Vietnam near the city of Dak To. There were many casualties and the men at the bunkers were in great need of a resupply of ammunition. During the fighting, with enemy mortars, rockets, and small arms fire raging in the area, Sergeant Washington left his position and continually guided the helicopters that were bringing the necessary resupply of ammunition. He helped unload the choppers and proceeded to carry the ammunition to the bunker line. Still under heavy enemy pressure, Sergeant Washington passed out ammunition, fired on the enemy and on return trips pulled the wounded from their positions back to the landing zone for treatment and subsequent evacuation. Due to Sergeant Washington’s efforts, the critically wounded were promptly evacuated and countless lives were saved. His unselfish and tireless work during an eight hour period that went well into the next day inspired others to leave their positions and assist him. On the afternoon of 11 November, Company D had just arrived on Hill 724 when it came under a heavy barrage of hostile small arms and mortar fire. Sergeant Washington, as Acting Platoon Leader, showed outstanding leadership by organizing and directing the defensive and offensive positions of the 3rd Platoon. On that same evening while the Company was under a constant and heavy attack of enemy fire, he led a squad of men to reinforce Company E’s perimeter, and by skillfully maneuvering his men till they were at the weakest position of the perimeter was able to repel the enemy attack with a rapid and sustained volley of small arms fire. Sergeant Washington’s extraordinary heroism is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon him and the United States Army.

First Sergeant Washington joined the L.O.V. in 1979 and resides in Northern California.