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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Dwight Lyman Johnson (NSN: 0-78645), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. MILLER (DD-535), in action against enemy Japanese forces off the Southern Coast of Honshu, Japan, on 19 March 1945. When the aircraft carrier U.S.S. FRANKLIN (CV-13) was set ablaze by enemy action, Lieutenant Commander Johnson maneuvered his destroyer alongside the carrier and, despite intense smoke and grave danger from explosions, rescued the Commander of his task group and several key personnel trapped on the Flag Bridge, transporting them to another carrier. Returning to the stricken vessel, he repeatedly placed his ship alongside her to rescue trapped personnel and to fight fires. His gallant conduct and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Miller (DD-535)

    Action Date:

    October 13 – 17, 1944
    Commander 3d Fleet: Serial 0113 (November 26, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Dwight Lyman Johnson (NSN: 0-78645), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MILLER (DD-535), assigned as a screening vessel to a Task Group protecting the withdrawal of two severely damaged ships, under tow, from enemy waters during the period 13 to 17 October 1944. By outstanding seamanship, his ship performed missions of rescue, transferred personnel under adverse conditions of wind and sea and under enemy air attack. The excellent performance of his ship when in the screen contributed greatly to the successful accomplishment of the salvage mission. His courage, leadership and skill were at all times an inspiration to his men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.