Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Machinist’s Mate First Class

Unit:

U.S.S. Gwin (DD-433), United States Navy

Citation:
"The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Machinist's Mate First Class Earle Cross Johnson (NSN: 2015724), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. GWIN (DD-433), during the operations of U.S. Naval Forces against Japanese Naval Forces off Savo Island, British Solomon Islands, during the night of 14 - 15 November 1942. Machinist's Mate First Class Johnson remained at his assigned battle station on the lower platform of the Number 2 engineroom after the first enemy 4.7 caliber shell had hit and filled the engine room with steam. Although he undoubtedly could have escaped with minor injuries, with total disregard of his own safety he remained below long enough to completely close the main injection valve to the Number 2 main condenser, an operation which normally requires at least two minutes, thereby enhancing the safety of the ship. When he finally did abandon his station he had suffered severe burns which resulted in his death about seven hours later. Machinist's Mate First Class Johnson's actions and devotion to duty were above and beyond the call of duty and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commander South Pacific: Serial 0739 (May 2, 1943)