The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Ernest O. Johnson (ASN: 39333260), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces. On the night of 6 December 1944, Private Johnson and members of his platoon were clearing the enemy from the town of Pachten, Germany, when they were subjected to fire from a large concrete pillbox which was situated in front of a house. Although in risk of being observed by enemy snipers in the vicinity, Private Johnson, disregarding his own safety advanced ahead of the platoon and constructed the only possible approach to the pillbox, by placing an elevated plank from a nearby house to the top of the fortification. After crawling along the plank he dropped two grenades down the ventilator and forced the surrender of the occupants. His heroic actions and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.