Navy Federal Credit Union

Sewall Johnson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1946. He retired in 1966 as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    65th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1950

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 16 (January 24, 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Sewall Harvey Emler Johnson (ASN: 0-28712), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 3d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 October 1950, near Muju, Korea, Lieutenant Johnson was a member of a reconnaissance patrol when enemy fire on one of their flanks greatly endangered the success of its mission. Realizing the need for immediate and positive action and ignoring all danger to his personal safety he ran along an exposed road to contact a seventy-five millimeter recoilless rifle section. Upon doing so, he gave a fire order and instructions as to the position from where the section would fire. He then moved to a point away from the selected position, opened fire with his carbine to attract enemy attention, and signaled the gun crew into position. They then neutralized the enemy fire and forced his withdrawal. Lieutenant Johnson’s quick tactical decision, the execution of it, and his intrepid actions in drawing enemy fire to himself, enabled the flank of the patrol to be secured and the continuance of its mission. The gallant action reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.