The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

Corporal LESLIE B. JOHNSON

United States Marine Corps

For the service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

             “For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division. On 21 August 1967, while moving along elements of his company, which were heavily engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force, Corporal Johnson’s platoon came under intense enemy automatic weapons fire. In the initial burst of fire, several Marines were wounded and lay in an area dangerously exposed to the hostile fire. Disregarding his own safety, Corporal Johnson maneuvered through the enemy fire, deployed his men and moved from one position to another administering first aid to the casualties and redistributing ammunition throughout his platoon. During the ensuing firefight, the company mortar section ran dangerously low of ammunition. Again disregarding his own safety, he moved about the fire-swept terrain collecting 60mm mortar ammunition that was carried by the members of his platoon and resupplied the mortar section, enabling it to continue supporting the company’s advance. While aggressively maneuvering forward in the attack, he received serious multiple wounds. Ignoring his own painful injuries, he continued to direct his men against the hostile positions until the enemy’s resistance was broken and only then did he allow himself to be medically evacuated. His heroic actions and superior leadership immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. Corporal Johnson’s steadfast courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

             The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

For the President

Secretary of the Navy