Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Walter Morris Johnson (ASN: 0-16835), United States Army, for gallantry in action from 6 August 1944 to 11 August 1944, at Mortain, France. As Commanding Officer of the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division during the time this unit was severely counter-attacked by the enemy, Colonel Johnson displayed outstanding leadership and personal gallantry. Forced with the task of meeting this attack with only two battalions of his regiment, Colonel Johnson assumed personal direction of the entire action. Maintaining his command post at all times, within range of enemy small arms fire and though subjected to enemy artillery and aircraft, he continually kept abreast of every phase of the action. Through his personal bravery and superior leadership the counter-attack was repulsed with heavy losses to the enemy and the entire operation climaxed by a general withdrawal of all German forces from that sector. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    117th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1943 – 1945

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Walter Morris Johnson (ASN: 0-16835), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, from 1943 to 1945. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Johnson and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    117th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 15, 1945

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 169 (June 26, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Walter Morris Johnson (ASN: 0-16835), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 April 1945, in Germany. Realizing the importance of a bridge across a canal, Colonel Johnson advanced at the head of his men through very heavy enemy fire and directed tank fire on an anti-tank gun, knocking it out. By his gallant actions, his men were able to reach the bridge in time to save it from being blown, thereby enabling them to continue the attack without losing precious time. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Johnson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    January 1946 – July 31, 1957

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 39 (July 31, 1957)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Walter Morris Johnson, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from January 1946 to 31 July 1957.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    117th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 2 – 6, 1944

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 105 (November 23, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Walter Morris Johnson (ASN: 0-16835), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during the period 2 October 1944 to 6 October 1944, in Germany. As Commanding Officer of the 117th Infantry Regiment, which was engaged in breaking through the Siegfried Line during this period, Colonel Johnson kept his command post at a very forward position from which he directed operations. When counterattacks threatened his position, he refused to withdraw. During an offensive operation, when enemy resistance caused the impetus of his attack to bog down. Colonel Johnson personally travelled the shell-torn front coordinating the efforts of his units and urging them on in the attack. The personal bravery and outstanding leadership manifested by Colonel Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    117th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Walter Morris Johnson (ASN: 0-16835), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Johnson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.