The President of the United States,
in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting
the MEDAL OF HONOR to:
SERGEANT JAMES E. JOHNSON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Squad Leader
in a Provisional Rifle Platoon composed of Artillery men and attached to Company J, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division
(Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Yudam-ni, Korea, on 2 December 1950. Vastly outnumbered by a well-entrenched
and cleverly concealed enemy force wearing the uniforms of friendly troops and attacking his platoon's open and unconcealed positions, Sergeant
Johnson unhesitatingly took charge of his platoon in the absence of the eader and exhibiting great personal valor in the face of a heavy barrage of
hostile fire, coolly proceeded to move about among his men, shouting words of encouragement and inspiration and skillfully directing their
fire. Ordered to displace his platoon during the fire fight, he immediately placed himself in an extremely hazardous position from which he
could provide covering fire for his men. Fully aware that his voluntary action meant either certain death or capture to himself, he courageously
continued to provide effective cover for his men and was last observed in a wounded condition single-handedly engaging enemy troops in close hand
grenade and hand-to-hand fighting. By his valiant and inspiring leadership, Sergeant Johnson was directly responsible for the successful
completion of the platoon's displacement and the saving of many lives. His dauntless fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty in the
face of terrific odds reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
/S/HARRY S. TRUMAN
