Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Awarded on:

1943

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 7 August 1942 through 9 February 1943."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

2nd Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

September 13th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

"For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 2 March 1945. Landing his force in the wake of an assault battalion on D-Day, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson advanced his men against savage hostile resistance as they executed a difficult turning maneuver to protect the left flank of assault troops moving across the island and, completing this initial mission in a minimum of time, forged steadily onward to penetrate the intricate network of fortifications circling the base of Mount Suribachi. Scaling the steep, gun-studded face of the mountain, he maintained close control of operations, blasting the defending garrisons from their deeply-entrenched positions and seizing the volcanic stronghold with its commanding gun batteries on D-plus-4. With Mount Suribachi secured, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson waged a relentless drive northward toward the sea, smashing through seemingly impregnable Japanese defenses, fighting the enemy with indomitable force and annihilating them with inexorable determination. Gaining the rugged, difficult terrain north of Hill 362 on D-plus-11, he discovered that strongly fortified, well-concealed Japanese forces were inflicting heavy casualties on his forward companies. Instantly proceeding to the front lines, he fearlessly made his way among the besieged units, ordering corrective measures, rallying and reorganizing his stout-hearted fighters for renewed assault. Although instantly killed by a bursting mortar shell as he moved from the right assault company to the adjacent company's observation post, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, by his outstanding valor, dynamic energies and skilled combat tactics in the face of tremendous odds, had inspired his men to heroic effort throughout twelve days of fierce conflict, thereby contributing essentially to the ultimate capture of this vital Japanese outpost. His brilliant leadership and astute military acumen throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 35137 (posthumously awarded)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

2nd Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment