The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant John E. Johnson (ASN: 37484638), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 26 January 1945, at Newbourg, France. Volunteering to bring in two wounded men who were under enemy observation, Sergeant Johnson led a rescue party across a plank bridge and a wire fence and over seventy-five yards of open terrain to evacuate one man. When they returned for the second man, they were subjected to heavy enemy mortar fire but continued until they had removed him to safety. Sergeant Johnson exposed himself once more to the intense fire to reach an officer whom he found to be beyond aid. Returning to his party, he directed the withdrawal without further casualties. By his outstanding bravery and determination, Sergeant Johnson saved two fellow soldiers from possible death or capture.