The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert A. Johnson (ASN: 35385603), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Germany, on 4 April 1945. When Sergeant Johnson and three companions, after crossing the **** Canal, were fired on by a German patrol, he courageously returned the enemy fire, killing one German and scattering the remainder. Three of his comrades, crossing in a rubber boat, were fired upon and the boat overturned. Two of the men swam to shore, leaving a third man floundering in the water. Although unable to swim, Sergeant Johnson jumped into the canal and pulled the drowning man to safety. He was the last man to leave the hostile shore. His gallant actions under enemy fire reflect credit upon his character and training as a soldier.