Navy Federal Credit Union

Gray Johnson graduated from Stroudsburg High School in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and then attended the Johnson C. Smith University and Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was ordained a Presbyterian minister, and entered military service in May 1948. After attending the Chaplains School at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, he attended an advanced course at the Chaplain’s School in Fort Slocum, New York, in 1959. During his service in the Korean War, he was twice decorated with the Silver Star for his gallantry in combat. After retiring from the Army as a colonel, he worked from 1971 to 1991 as a counselor at Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    24th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 30, 1950

    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 237 (April 26, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Gray Gould Johnson (ASN: 0-958658), United States Army, for gallantry and in action against the enemy while serving as a chaplain with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Impa, Korea, on 30 September 1950. The command post of the unit Chaplain Johnson served was suddenly attacked by a strong hostile force. Advancing through an intense concentration of enemy fire, he rallied the men in the threatened area and encouraged them to remain in position to repulse the onrushing fore. He then repeatedly exposed himself to the deadly barrage as he moved throughout the position to administer to needs of the wounded. Chaplain Johnson’s calm courage, indominable spirit and unremitting devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    24th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 1 – 3, 1950

    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 185 (March 31, 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 Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Gray Gould Johnson (ASN: 0-958658), United States Army, for gallantry and in action against the enemy while serving as a chaplain with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Hason, Korea, on 1 – 3 September 1950. The unit which Chaplain Johnson served was under intense hostile attack. Throughout the intense engagement he administered to the physical and spiritual needs of the wounded and helped maintain vital communications by serving at the switchboard during the night. Although subjected to heavy small arms fire, he moved among the men with words of encouragement until reinforcements arrived. Chaplain Johnson’s calm demeanor, determined spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the United states Army.