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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Clark Edward Johnson (ASN: 0-1302005), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Esqueheries, Ile-de-France, France, 2 September 1944. While leading a motorized reconnaissance patrol through enemy territory, Lieutenant Johnson learned that another friendly group was trapped in the area and was in danger of being annihilated. Leaving one of his men in a strategic position to provide covering fire, he maneuvered a vehicle to a vantage point near the besieged group and, with effective machine-gun fire, enabled the men to reorganize and destroy their assailants. Lieutenant Johnson’s aggressiveness and gallantry were directly responsible for preventing heavy loss of life. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 47 (September 17, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Clark Edward Johnson (ASN: 0-1302005), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action in Sicily, on or about 10 July 1943. During landing operations, Lieutenant Johnson, without thought of his own safety, rescued an enlisted man who had lost consciousness and was on the verge of drowning in a heavy surf. His skillful application of artificial respiration undoubtedly saved the soldier’s life. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Lieutenant Johnson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 30, 1945
    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 123 (May 31, 1945)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Clark Edward Johnson (ASN: 0-1302005), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 30 March 1945. On that date, during action near Eisern, Germany, First Lieutenant Johnson organized his isolated company and crawling through a hail of enemy fire, personally placed their five attached tanks in advantageous positions. He signaled the attack and firing his carbine as he ran, charged the enemy flank and prevented a link-up between the main garrison and a body of reinforcements. He continued forward and fearlessly led a platoon in a surprise attack on the German command post, killing many of the defenders and capturing the commanding officer and his staff. First Lieutenant Johnson’s heroic inspiring leadership and dedicated devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant]

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 98 (October 5, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Clark Edward Johnson (ASN: 0-1302005), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the Anti-Tank Company, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the vicinity of Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, 6 June 1944. Voluntarily crossing hazardous terrain, despite intense enemy machine gun fire, First Lieutenant Johnson, at great personal risk, eliminated a number of hostile snipers, thereby facilitating his company’s advance inland. Lieutenant Johnson’s gallantry and unselfish devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of the invasion. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.