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) Russell H. Johnson (ASN: 0-1320948), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 9 January 1945 at Hatten, France. Lieutenant Johnson was a member of the 1st Battalion Staff when the Battalion Command Post at Hatten, France was heavily shelled and machine gunned by direct fire from a German tank at a range of seventy-five yards. After his request to lead a patrol to outflank and destroy the tanks had been denied he was finally permitted to contact and assist the patrol. Starting out under enemy fire from assault guns, artillery, rockets and tanks he reached the patrol as it was subjected to the intense enemy machine gun and rifle fire that was protecting the flanks of the tank. Lieutenant Johnson’s insistence on volunteering for such a dangerous mission was an inspiration to the men who were present.