The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Edwin N. Johnson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 20th Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Mount Baytangan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 16 March 1945. Defending an important hillcrest in the vicinity of Mount Baytangan, the machine gun emplacement in which Private First Class Johnson served as Number One Gunner, was counterattacked at midnight by forty frenzied Japanese. All members of his squad were either killed or wounded, leave Private First Class Johnson to man the machine gun by himself. When his machine gun became so overheated that it ceased to fire, he drew his pistol and staved off the charging enemy with pistol fire and hand grenades. Some of the enemy came as close as ten feet from his position before being killed or repulsed. Six Banzai charges were mounted in four hours, supplemented by continuous fire from light mortars, grenades, and small arms, but failed to the move the intrepid Infantryman from his position. Private First Class Johnson remained at his post until relieved at 8 o’clock the following morning. A later investigation disclosed 36 enemy dead in front of Private Johnson’s position. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 6th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.