281:. Sp4 Johnston and 6 of his comrades had moved from their exposed positions to 1 of the bunkers to continue their fight against the enemy attackers. As they were firing from the bunker, an enemy soldier threw 3 explosive charges into their position. Sensing the danger to his comrades, Sp4 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 6 of his comrades. Sp4 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 U.S. Army.
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For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4 Johnston distinguished himself while serving as a
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Johnston smothered the blasts of three enemy-thrown explosives with his body, sacrificing his life to protect those around him.
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broke through the defensive perimeter and began hurling explosive charges into the main defensive
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Specialist
Johnston's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
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United States Army personnel killed in the
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List of Medal of Honor recipients for the
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238:Johnston, aged 21 at his death, was buried at the
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351:United States Army Center of Military History
343:"Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipients (A-L)"
211:in 1968. By March 21, 1969, was serving as a
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183:(November 19, 1947 – March 21, 1969) was a
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221:1st Cavalry Division
217:8th Cavalry Regiment
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229:Republic of Vietnam
181:Donald Ray Johnston
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223:. On that day, in
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99:Allegiance
49:1947-11-19
35:Birth name
267:mortarman
231:, during
199:Biography
122:1968–1969
286:See also
107:Service/
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244:Georgia
161:†
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169:Awards
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