The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Billy J. Johnson (ASN: 13075391), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France, on 10 November 1944. Sergeant Johnson and his squad were engaged in sweeping mines from a road in the ****, several hundred yards behind the front lines, in an area believed to be clear of the enemy. Sergeant Johnson, working about twenty yards ahead of his squad, heard a movement in the brush along the road and sighted an enemy group of at least three riflemen, a machine gun and a rocket-launcher team. He immediately alerted his squad in preparation to attack the enemy position when he was observed by the enemy. As an enemy grenadier stood up to throw a grenade, Sergeant Johnson stood fast, shouted to his squad to take cover, then attracted attention to himself so that his squad could reach positions of safety. He was severely wounded by the enemy machine gun and rifle fire which was concentrated upon him. By his gallant action, he saved the members of his squad from death or capture. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.