Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine
Corps, Company J, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
(Rein.). Place and date: Yudam-ni, Korea, 2 December 1950 (declared
missing in action on 2 December 1950, and killed in action as of 2
November 1953). Entered service at: Washington, D.C. Born: 1 January
1926, Pocatello, Idaho. Citation... For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as a squad leader in a provisional rifle platoon
composed of artillerymen and attached to Company J, in action
against enemy aggressor forces. Vastly outnumbered by a
well-entrenched and cleverly concealed enemy force wearing the
uniforms of friendly troops and attacking his platoon's open and
unconcealed positions, Sgt. Johnson unhesitatingly took charge of
his platoon in the absence of the leader and, exhibiting great
personal valor in |
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the face of a heavy barrage of hostile fire, coolly proceeded to
move about among his men, shouting words of encouragement and
inspiration and skillfully directing their fire. Ordered to displace
his platoon during the fire fight, he immediately placed himself in
an extremely hazardous position from which he could provide covering
fire for his men. Fully aware that his voluntary action meant either
certain death or capture to himself, he courageously continued to
provide effective cover for his men and was last observed in a
wounded condition single-handedly engaging enemy troops in close
hand grenade and hand-to-hand fighting. By his valiant and inspiring
leadership, Sgt. Johnson was directly responsible for the successful
completion of the platoon's displacement and the saving of many
lives. His dauntless fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to
duty in the face of terrific odds reflect the highest credit upon
himself and the U.S. Naval Service. |