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 Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Russell T. H. Johnson (Johnsen) (ASN: 0-436863), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Bombardier and Gunner on a B-26 Medium Bomber of the 18th Reconnaissance Squadron, 22d Bombardment Group (M), FAR EAST Air Force (Detached), in aerial action against enemy forces on 4 June 1942, during an engagement near Midway Island. Lieutenant Johnson displayed extraordinary heroism during an extremely hazardous and difficult torpedo-bombing mission against the Japanese Navy. His skill and courageousness in operating his gun in the face of superior fighter opposition and intense anti-aircraft fire was instrumental in the success of the first torpedo attack ever carried out by the Army Air Forces. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Johnson on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.