The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Thomas Henry Johnston (MCSN: 0-49718), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Provisional Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces west of Yongsan, Korea, on 17 August 1950. At approximately 1600, the First Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, was attacking to seize heavily defended Obangi Ridge, the enemy’s main line of resistance. While scaling the precipitous slopes, Lieutenant Johnston’s platoon was pinned downed by heavy enemy machine bun fire from the hill’s summit, preventing further advance. Lieutenant Johnston, passing through the forward elements of his platoon where he obtained hand grenades, and knowing full well the hazards of his undertaking, fearlessly made his way forward alone through intense fire to destroy the machine gun nest. Succeeding in attaining the crest, he threw a grenade which silenced the hostile position before he fell mortally wounded from a series of exploding enemy grenades. Lieutenant Johnston, by his conspicuous gallantry and heroic self sacrifices, was an inspiration to his men and contributed immeasurably to the final capture of the critical ridge, reflecting the highest credit on himself and the esteemed traditions of the military service.