Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Rifleman

Unit:

"C" Company, The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, Canadian Army

Awarded on:

December 22nd, 1945

Recommendation:
On 3 April 1945, the 1st Battalion, The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada was committed to an attack on the village of Laag-Keppel, Holland, with "C" Company assigned the task of leading the assault. Shortly after crossing the start point "C" Company came under intense small arms and mortar fire together with accurate sniping which inflicted heavy casualties. The deadly sniping wounded three of the company's stretcher bearers but in spite of this Rifleman Johnston, with complete disregard for his personal safety, went forward and evacuated nine of the wounded men. During this period he found time to render first aid to three men who were in need of immediate attention.
This extreme devotion to duty, carried out under withering fire from the enemy, was an outstanding example of bravery far beyond the normal call which undoubtedly saved the lives of some of the wounded men who were so efficiently evacuated by Rifleman Johnston's action.

Royal Decree no. 2, 8 December, 1945.