Howard W. Johnson’s SECOND Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the GOLD STAR in lieu of a second SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

FIRST LIEUTENANT HOWARD W. JOHNSON,
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader, attached to Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, Fourth Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. With his platoon disorganizes and suffering many casualties immediately after landing on D-Day, First Lieutenant Johnson remained steadfast and courageous under a shattering barrage of hostile artillery, mortar and small-arms fire and, boldly moving from place to place along the beach, located his men and led them to a position of relative safety two hundred yards inland. Constantly showered with sand and debris, he dauntlessly continued leading his men from the water’s edge to the inland assembly area, carrying on until he was fatally struck doen by hostile artillery fire. By his inspiring leaderdhip, outstanding fortitude and grave concern for the safety of his comrades in the face of tremendous odds, First Lieutenant Johnson contributed to the saving of many lives, and his selfless conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

For the President,
/s/ James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy