Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    5th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    June 4, 1951

    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 209 (August 15, 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 Sergeant Lyle I. Johnson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, for gallantry in action against the enemy on 4 June 1951 near Yongchon, Korea. The company’s mission was to secure Hill 205, stubbornly held by determined enemy forces equipped with automatic weapons and mortar. When the leading platoon was pinned down by intense enemy small arms fire, Sergeant Johnson was called upon to move his squad forward through the leading platoon’s position to eliminate the fire superiority of the enemy. Sergeant Johnson deployed his squad and rushed forward firing his weapon and throwing hand grenades, displaying to his men the necessity of aggressiveness in an attack. Although wounded in the beginning of the assault, he continued on to single-handedly destroy an enemy machine gun position. This aggressive leadership materially aided in the success of the mission and was a source of inspiration to the men. Sergeant Johnson’s courage and devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the military service.