Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 3, 1951

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 96 (April 11, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Alfred W. Johnson (ASN: 0-1031328), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 February 1951, near Yongin, Korea, Company L had the mission of taking Hill 319 which was fiercely defended by a fanatical, determined, and well dug-in concealed enemy force of two hundred and fifty. Because of the heavy enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire, the company’s advance was stalled. Many casualties were sustained including all company officers except Major Johnson, who was accompanying the unit as a staff observer. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he assumed command of the platoon and personally led them forward in an attack upon the enemy. Through this devastating fire, Major Johnson led the men, killing numerous enemy with his carbine, and driving the enemy from his positions. He then halted his platoons to effect their reorganization. While so doing, an enemy soldier several times attempted to kill Major Johnson by throwing hand grenades at him. Completely disregarding these attempts on his life he calmly waited for the enemy soldier to expose himself from his foxhole and then deliberately shot and killed him. Completing the reorganization, he once more led his platoon forward, and in the ensuing fire fight was seriously wounded. Lying on the ground in intense pain, he shouted words of encouragement to the men as they advanced. The devotion to duty and extreme display of gallantry displayed by Major Johnson reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.