Lieutenant General Johnny J. Johnston was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School 23 November 1953, class number 77. His first duty assignment was as Company Commander, Company H, 63d Infantry Regiment, Fort Ord, California. | His subsequent duty assignments include:  Company Commander, 24th Division, E Company, 21st Infantry Regiment; Assistant Deputy Commander, G-3, 8th Army, Headquarters USARJ; Company commander, Company B, 12th Training Regiment, USATC, Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Instructor, Tactics and Leadership, USA Engineer School, Fort Belvoir, Virginia; G-1, Senior Advisor, 3d Regiment, MACV, 1st Republic of Vietnam Division; Personnel Officer and Chief Assignment an Section, Infantry Branch, Headquarters DA, OPD; Commander, 1st Battalion, 29 Infantry Brigade, Fort Benning, Georgia; Commander, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, Vietnam; Chief Attack Committee, U.S. Army Infantry School; Commander, 2d Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. | His awards and decorations include: Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Honor Medal, Vietnam, Cross of Gallantry, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Medal (5), Army Commendation Medal (3), Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star (3), Legion of Merit.