The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman First Class Herman Stoddard Johnson, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. HAMMANN (DD-412), at the time of that vessel’s destruction by enemy torpedoes in the vicinity of Midway Island, on 6 June 1942. Performing all of his duties aboard the U.S.S. HAMMANN with ability and efficiency, Seaman First Class Johnson, after that vessel was struck by enemy torpedoes and was sinking rapidly, launched a life raft, provided life jackets and assisted his shipmates over the side, until the ship was completely submerged and he went down into the sea. His gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.