(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Earl W. Johnson (ASN: 15086788), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 23 to 31 December 1942, during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea. Private Johnson distinguished himself fighting along the coast. On 23 December 1942, he was wounded while manning a machine gun from a tree top during an attack by his unit. He was mortally wounded on 31 December 1942, while covering the withdrawal of his squad rom a dangerously advanced position where it had been pinned down by enemy fire. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.