The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Lavon Johnson (ASN: 34663378), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in action in the **** Sector, Normandy, France, on 17 July 1944. When enemy machine gun fire held up the advance of his squad, Sergeant Johnson went forward in full view of the enemy, silenced the machine gun with fire from his automatic rifle and with hand grenades, then rushed on into the position, killing the remaining members of the crew and capturing the machine gun. The intrepid actions of Sergeant Johnson served as an inspiration to other soldiers in the vicinity, and contributed materially toward the eventual capture of an enemy strong point. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.