The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Howard W. Johnson (MCSN: 0-20087), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during operations against Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 9 July 1944. When the enemy counterattacked the flank position held by his platoon, First Lieutenant Johnson daringly directed the defense, exposing himself to heavy fire and helping annihilate in hand-to-hand conflict the Japanese who penetrated the position. Later, in an attack against a ridge, when the platoon was pinned down by close range machine-gun fire, he stood directly in the line of fire to move his men to more favorable positions, unhesitatingly moving in front of the lines to carry wounded men to safety, and calmly continuing to direct his platoon after his rifle was knocked out of his hands by hostile fire. His resolute courage, aggressive spirit and untiring devotion to duty served to instill confidence in his men and reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Johnson and the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Howard W. Johnson (MCSN: 0-20087), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader, attached to Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. With his platoon disorganized and suffering many casualties immediately after landing on D-Day, First Lieutenant Johnson remained steadfast and courageous under a shattering barrage of hostile artillery, mortar and small-arms fire and, boldly moving from place to place along the beach, located his men and led them to a position of relative safety two hundred yards inland. Constantly showered with sand and debris, he dauntlessly continued leading his men from the water’s edge to the inland assembly area, carrying on valiantly until he was fatally struck down by hostile artillery fire. By his inspiring leadership, outstanding fortitude and grave concern for the safety of his comrades in the face of tremendous odds, First Lieutenant Johnson contributed to the saving of many lives, and his selfless conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.