The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William P. Johnson (ASN: 0-1303606), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the ****, 26 September 1944. After Anti-Tank Company had been established as part of the *** Infantry Regiment’s main line of resistance on the edge of ****, the enemy launched a heavy attack marked by intense artillery, mortar and sniper fire. In order to defend his anti-tank positions, Lieutenant Johnson formed two defensive groups, one led by himself and the other by a noncommissioned officer. Despite a fire fight of two hours duration, enemy infantry and tank support forced their withdrawal from the anti-tank weapons. Directing the noncommissioned officer to assume control of the unit, Lieutenant Johnson then led a group of tank destroyers to the gun positions and destroyed three enemy armored vehicles surrounding his weapons, and forcing the remainder to withdraw. Lieutenant Johnson then remained in position for twelve hours, directing his unit in repelling the enemy from the entire vicinity, after which he returned on foot to his command post and led gun crews back to the anti-tank weapons to continue their part in the regiment’s line of resistance. Lieutenant Johnson’s gallantry in action is in accordance with the traditions of the military service.