The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Infantry) Samuel M. Johnson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 372d Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Bussy Farm, France, 27 September 1918. Major Johnson led his battalion with exceptional bravery and judgment through a heavy enemy barrage in an attack on a strong hostile force on the plateau south of Bussy Farm, fearlessly exposing himself to point out enemy machine-gun positions. Having attained his objective, he held his ground in spite of the fact that his command had been badly cut up and participated in the attack on the following day. In spite of the strong resistance, his battalion captured a large number of guns, an ammunition dump, and valuable material. His fearlessness, energy, and leadership inspired his men to successful attack.