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 Captain (Field Artillery) Neil Oscar Johnson (ASN: 0-1165184), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 740th Field Artillery Battalion, 402nd Field Artillery Group (Separate), in action against enemy forces on 5 April 1945, in the vicinity of Tann, Germany. While on a reconnaissance mission Captain Johnson’s battalion commander was wounded in an enemy ambush. With utter disregard for his own safety he moved him to the nearby dugout with the assistance of an enlisted man, and heroically attempted to hold off the advancing enemy. In the bitter fighting that ensued he was knocked out by an enemy grenade and taken prisoner. Although threatened with execution for refusal to answer improper questions he faced his captors with calm bravery and later convinced the German commander to surrender to him since American troops were rapidly approaching the town. Captain Johnson’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.