Rank: Specialist 4
Unit: A Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
MOS: 11B – Infantryman
Awards: Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Badges: Combat Infantryman Badge
Unit awards: Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm device
Enlisted by: Selected Service
Date of birth: 16-Sep-1945
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Marital status: Never Married
Campaign: Vietnam Conflict
Start of tour: 20-Aug-1966
Incident date: 5-Jan-1967
Date of casualty: 5-Jan-1967
Age at death: 21
Cause of death: Hostile, died. Small Arms Fire. Gun or small arms fire.
William F. Johnson was passenger in a military vehicle when hit by hostile small arms fire while on combat operation.
Location of fatality: Phuoc Tuy, South Vietnam
Place of interment: Los Angeles National Cemetery, Los Angeles, California, USA
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BRONZE STAR MEDAL
WITH VALOR DEVICE
POSTHUMOUS
SPECIALIST FOUR WILLIAM F JOHNSON
5 JANUARY 1967
A TROOP, 1st SQUADRON
11TH ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT
Specialist Four Johnson distinguished himself by valorous actions on 5 January 1967 while commanding an armored vehicle with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment on search operation. When the unit made contact with a fortified bunker system, Specialist Johnson quickly maneuvered his track into position to defend the troop command post. Due to the close proximity of friendly troops to the hostile emplacements, he had to strictly control the fire from his vehicle. Demonstrating exceptional composure and command ability, Specialist Johnson repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile fire to better direct his men. Without hesitation or regard for his safety, he brought effective suppressive fire on the insurgent positions. During the courageous and exemplary performance of his duties he was fatally wounded by Viet Cong fire. Specialist Johnson’s personal bravery and devotion to duty, at the cost of his were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam General Orders No. 307 (20 January 1967)