The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William J. Johns (ASN: RA-16278476), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 24 July 1950, near Sangayong, Korea, when Company C was attacked by three tanks, Corporal Johns took a 2.36-inch rocket launcher, although he knew it would not destroy a tank, and went forward to harass the tanks and divert fire until heavier weapons could be brought into action. Despite the fact that he became a key target, he fired ten rounds, destroying one gun on a tank and killing a crewman. Corporal Johns’ gallant and determined action which helped protect the men of his company from great loss, reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.