The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Walter Morris Johnson (ASN: 0-16835), United States Army, for gallantry in action from 6 August 1944 to 11 August 1944, at Mortain, France. As Commanding Officer of the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division during the time this unit was severely counter-attacked by the enemy, Colonel Johnson displayed outstanding leadership and personal gallantry. Forced with the task of meeting this attack with only two battalions of his regiment, Colonel Johnson assumed personal direction of the entire action. Maintaining his command post at all times, within range of enemy small arms fire and though subjected to enemy artillery and aircraft, he continually kept abreast of every phase of the action. Through his personal bravery and superior leadership the counter-attack was repulsed with heavy losses to the enemy and the entire operation climaxed by a general withdrawal of all German forces from that sector. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Walter Morris Johnson (ASN: 0-16835), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 April 1945, in Germany. Realizing the importance of a bridge across a canal, Colonel Johnson advanced at the head of his men through very heavy enemy fire and directed tank fire on an anti-tank gun, knocking it out. By his gallant actions, his men were able to reach the bridge in time to save it from being blown, thereby enabling them to continue the attack without losing precious time. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Johnson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Walter Morris Johnson (ASN: 0-16835), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during the period 2 October 1944 to 6 October 1944, in Germany. As Commanding Officer of the 117th Infantry Regiment, which was engaged in breaking through the Siegfried Line during this period, Colonel Johnson kept his command post at a very forward position from which he directed operations. When counterattacks threatened his position, he refused to withdraw. During an offensive operation, when enemy resistance caused the impetus of his attack to bog down. Colonel Johnson personally travelled the shell-torn front coordinating the efforts of his units and urging them on in the attack. The personal bravery and outstanding leadership manifested by Colonel Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.