Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

Squad Leader, Company G, 3rd Battalion, 29th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in action while serving as a squad leader with Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-Ninth Marines, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 6 June 1945. Taking charge of the situation after his platoon leader and a number of his comrades had become casualties during an attack on a strongly defended enemy position, Private First Class Johnson reorganized the platoon which was being held up by heavy hostile machine-gun fire. Then, aggressively leading the final assault on the objective, he personally charged two enemy machine guns with a rocket launcher and, firing at point-blank range, destroyed both of the guns and their crews. After his platoon had occupied the hill, Private First Class Johnson courageously exposed himself to hostile fire to assist in sealing three cave positions from which the Japanese had been holding up the advance of adjacent Marine units. His gallant fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 98301

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company G, 3rd Battalion, 29th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Runner of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-ninth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 16 April 1945. Assuming command after his Platoon Leader had been killed during an assault on an enemy-held ridge, Private First Class Johnson quickly reorganized his unit on the ridge and repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile mortar and machine-gun fire to displace his men in offensive positions. Later, he courageously directed the platoon in repulsing a determined enemy counterattack in which twenty-five of the enemy were killed. By his able leadership, fortitude and devotion to duty, Private First Class Johnson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 100638