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 Technician Fifth Grade John O. Johnson (ASN: 36809605), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as a member of the 88th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 88th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 30 April 1945, near Carpane, Italy. When his reconnaissance troop was assigned the important mission of opening the highway from Bassano to Fonzaso, Technician Fifth Grade Johnson, a 37-mm. anti-tank gunner, rode in the leading vehicle of a column of three armored cars. Approaching the town of Carpane, a heavy enemy anti-tank gun suddenly opened fire upon the column, scoring a direct hit on the leading vehicle, setting it afire, killing one soldier and severely wounding three others. With his left foot and right leg severed, Technician Fifth Grade Johnson courageously remained at his gun, firing rapidly at the enemy emplacement. Scarcely able to hold himself to his seat and rapidly weakening from his wounds, he loaded and fired his gun by using the hand trigger. Despite his intense pain and the blistering heat in his burning vehicle, Technician Fifth Grade Johnson heroically stuck to his post and by maintaining a heavy volume of fire, gained time which enabled the rest of the column to deploy and escape the ambush of the enemy gun. This exemplary display of heroism and courage, in remaining at his post in spite of mortal wounds, permitted his comrades to continue to the successful accomplishment of their vital mission. Technician Fifth Grade Johnson’s intrepidity and his profound loyalty to duty at the sacrifice of his own life are an everlasting inspiration to all and exemplify the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.