Donald R. Johnston

Shielded six comrades from explosive charges

Donald Ray Johnston earned a posthumous Medal of Honor at a fire support base in Tay Ninh Province, South Vietnam, on 21 March 1969. A specialist fourth class and mortarman with Company D, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, he protected six fellow soldiers during an attack on their bunker.

Johnston was born in Columbus, Georgia, on 19 November 1947. His award was accredited to his hometown. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

A rocket and mortar bombardment preceded an assault by enemy sappers who penetrated the perimeter. Johnston and six comrades moved into a bunker and continued resisting the attackers. When an enemy soldier threw three explosive charges into their position, Johnston covered them with his body. He died in the explosions, shielding the other men.

President Richard M. Nixon presented the Medal of Honor to Johnston's family at the White House on 16 February 1971. He is buried in the post cemetery at Fort Benning, Georgia. His citation recognizes the deliberate protection of six companions at the cost of his own life.

Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Johnston distinguished himself while serving as a mortarman with Company D, at a fire support base in Tay Ninh Province. Sp4c. Johnston's company was in defense positions when it came under a devastating rocket and mortar attack. Under cover of the bombardment, enemy sappers broke through the defensive perimeter and began hurling explosive charges into the main defensive bunkers. Sp4c. Johnston and six of his comrades had moved from their exposed position to one of the bunkers to continue their fight against the enemy attackers. As they were firing from the bunker, an enemy soldier threw three explosive charges into their position. Sensing the danger to his comrades, Sp4c. 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 six of his comrades. Sp4c. 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.