The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Corporal Eldon J. Johnston (ASN: RA-16334321), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 31 March 1951, near Tongduchon-ni, Korea, units of Company I were pinned down by intense enemy small arms fire while assaulting Hill 587. Corporal Johnston, a member of the Weapons Squad, determined the location of the enemy and dashed into an open field in full view of the enemy in order to set up his machine gun and return fire upon the enemy. Observing the enemy throwing grenades into the pinned down unit’s area, he shouted a warning each time one was hurled, thereby preventing many casualties. Delivering heavy and accurate fire from his machine gun, Corporal Johnston destroyed the enemy position, killing one enemy soldier and causing the remainder to withdraw and enabling the company to continue its advance. The heroism and initiative displayed by Corporal Johnston reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.