Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army (1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Wayne L. Johnson, Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces during the period 16 to 20 February 1944, at Anzio Beachhead, Italy. Colonel Johnson's forces were under continual enemy attack and artillery fire, and on 18 February, when two battalions on his right were depleted in strength and forced to withdraw, he immediately went to the front, steadying the lines there while his battalion organized new positions. Crawling from place to place under the terrific enemy fire, he constantly reorganized the lines and encouraged the men to hold their positions against two more fierce infantry and tank assaults. Enemy shelling continued throughout the next day, and on the following day, believing another enemy attack imminent, Colonel Johnson was again at the front lines when they were subjected to a deadly enemy artillery barrage. Working to secure the defense against the expected attack, he was wounded severely by an exploding shell, but realizing the value of his knowledge of the situation, he continued disregarding his terrible pain, to direct operations of the battalion until he could personally communicate his information to the regimental commander. Colonel Johnson, by his extraordinary heroism skillfully secured the defense of his battalion and provided inspiration for his men as they turned back repeated enemy attacks during the critically important operations at Anzio Beachhead. His outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

War Department, General Orders No. 20 (1947).