Navy Federal Credit Union

(UNCONFIRMED – Citation Needed): Howard Johnson, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 24th Infantry Division during World War II.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 1, 1945

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2 (January 2, 1946)

    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 Howard Johnson (ASN: 36731729), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Tugbok, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 1 June 1945. An infantry company dispatched a combat patrol of 15 men led by Staff Sergeant Johnson along the Talomo River near Tugbok where some enemy activity had been reported. The patrol had crossed 300 yards of open field when suddenly a Japanese machine gun in a concealed pillbox about 10 yards ahead opened fire. When the scouts threw several grenades into the opening of the pillbox, several enemy snipers and a light machine gun fire on the patrol from its right rear, taking the men by surprise. Staff Sergeant Johnson quickly redeployed his men and led them to a position which afforded cover from which to engage the enemy. In order to effect this reorganization, he exposed himself to the enemy fir e, and in so doing was wounded by a sniper. Although he was unable to walk, Staff Sergeant Johnson realized that only immediate and aggressive action could bring about a successful end to the action, and despite the severe pain he was suffering, crawled and dragged himself 30 yards to a slight rise in the ground enabling him to observe the enemy. While he was engaged in directing the fire of his men and in throwing grenades at the enemy from this exposed position, he was wounded again. Despite this second wound, he remained in control of the patrol and in a heroic attempt to destroy the better situated enemy. By his gallant and aggressive action Staff Sergeant Johnson saved his trapped patrol and turned the action into a complete rout of the enemy. Staff Sergeant Johnson’s unflinching courage and determination, despite two painful wounds, earned for him the highest regard of all who witnessed his deeds and are in accord with the highest traditions of the military service.