The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Richard L. Johnson (ASN: 0-403721), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 813th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 January 1945 to 20 January 1945, in France. During this period a tank destroyer battalion was brought up to reinforce friendly anti-tank positions. Captain Johnson, Battalion S-2, was selected to coordinate and supervise the activities of one company of the new unit in addition to acting as liaison officer to an infantry regiment. Throughout this period he maintained an untiring leadership of the operations of the allied units, exposing himself frequently to the fire and efforts of fierce and determined enemy attacks. On one occasion he led one platoon of the tank destroyer company into the bitterly contested village of *****, where his direction was instrumental in repulsing a powerful enemy force. Shortly after he led another platoon into beleaguered Hatten where his bravery and masterful direction played an important part in halting the enemy. The great courage and distinguished qualities of leadership displayed by Captain Johnson reflect high credit on himself and the armed forces of the United States.